CDU partners with Our Watch to combat gender violence and promote equality across campuses

Charles Darwin University is partnering with Our Watch to pioneer a transformative framework, championing gender equality and working at eradicating violence on its campuses and the community.

CDU vice chancellor Scott Bowman signs the MOU with Our Watch to prevent gendered violence and create safer communities. Picture: Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University has teamed up with national violence prevention organisation, Our Watch, with the aim of eliminating gender violence and building gender equality among its campuses.

The two organisations got together on International Women’s Day to sign an agreement at CDU’s Alice Springs campus that will see them “take part in a framework aimed at building gender equality in the university, TAFE and broader NT community”.

The framework developed by Our Watch includes new curriculum content, staff training, the updating of universities policies as well as community engagement plans, among other initiatives.

CDU Vice Chancellor Scott Bowman said the university was committed to being an inclusive environment. Picture: Sierra Haigh

CDU vice-chancellor professor Scott Bowman said the partnership with Our Watch was about fostering a safer and more equal organisation and would help it meet the suggested University Accord recommendations on gendered violence.

“CDU is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff,” he said.

“This partnership aims to shift cultural norms that perpetuate violence by challenging stereotypes and promoting respectful relationships, so that as a community we can create lasting change.

“By partnering with Our Watch, CDU can ensure we are supported to achieve a whole of university approach to the prevention of harm on our campuses.

“Our Watch is a national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and CDU will benefit from their expertise, training and resources.”

Our Watch CEO Cara Gleeson thinks eduction institutions can lead change when it comes to gender violence. Picture: David Swift

Acting Our Watch chief executive Cara Gleeson said she was excited for the partnership and that “education institutions can lead the change” when it comes to sexism and violence in “our culture”.

“This change happens through challenging gender stereotypes,” she said.

“Such as encouraging more women into trade roles and men into caring roles and also making structural changes such as increasing women in leadership and decision-making roles within an educational workplace.

“We look forward to supporting CDU to take strides towards equality and play their part in creating a society where everyone, regardless of gender, sexuality, ability or cultural background, can live free from violence.”

The first step of the agreement will see CDU adopt the new Respect and Equality guide within CDU TAFE.