Call it out: Student podcast tackling gender violence hailed as ‘prevention in action’

Students from two Geelong high schools have teamed up to create a podcast giving an intimate insight into what young men and women think about key gender themes.

Sacred Heart students recording the Call it Out podcast. L-R Caroline Berg, Charlie Hayes, Hannah Brady, Ella Goodwin

Students from two Geelong high schools have teamed up to create a podcast giving an intimate insight into what young men and women think about themes such as gender equality, unhealthy masculinity, everyday sexism, healthy relationships and consent.

As part of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign, Sacred Heart College partnered with St Joseph’s College to produce a 16-episode podcast titled ‘Call it out’ – with the popularity of the podcast making it likely it will continue long after episode 16.

Call it out was launched after Sacred Heart received a grant from Respect Victoria and Safe & Equal, with the podcast aligning with Respect Victoria’s ‘Respect Women: Call It Out (Respect Is)’ campaign.

The podcast, hosted by students from the two schools, aims to address themes that drive violence against women, and discuss ways to prevent attitudes and systemic behaviours.

“The Call it Out podcast is intended to share conversations from the perspective of young people, and encourage others to ‘call out’ things that aren’t right,” Sacred Heart student Caroline Berg said. “

These topics are especially relevant to young people, so it is really powerful to share our voices and start the conversation in our community.”

“Young voices matter. That’s it, young people listen to young people. That’s why I’m doing the call it out podcast,” student Georgie Tigani said.

A statement from St Joseph’s College said the podcast had been a “fantastic opportunity to sit down and discuss ideas around respect and gender with students from Sacred Heart College, and with guests who share their passion and vision through storytelling and opening our minds to the social constructs around masculinity and femininity”.

“The call it out podcast has been a fantastic opportunity for young men to be a part of the conversation on a range of these issues,” St Joseph’s student Jaeger Fawcett said.

Respect Victoria chief executive Emily Maguire hailed the project, calling it “prevention in action”.

“Young people have the power to defy gender stereotypes and take steps towards a future where everyone is safe and equal, and the Call It Out podcast puts that in motion,” Ms Maguire said.

“To prevent violence against women, we must change the culture that allows it to happen. The 16 Day of Activism offers a platform for change, and gives us all an opportunity to think about how we can take steps towards equality in our homes, relationships, schools, workplaces and communities.”

“Violence against women is preventable, and it’s a challenge that belongs to all of us. Young people have the power to lead this movement, and to call for a better future for all of us.”

To check out the podcast, visit callitoutpodcast.podbean.com or search ‘Call it out’ wherever you get your podcasts.

Originally published as Call it out: Student podcast tackling gender violence hailed as ‘prevention in action’