In the 2021-22 period, WHGNE pivoted focus from the Prevention of Violence Community of Practice to the Gender Equity Community of Practice. The WHGNE Gender Equity CoP aims to build practitioner understanding of gender inequality as the root cause of gender-based violence through regular, two-hour capacity building sessions. Sessions allow time for a guest presentation and subsequent reflection on the issues raised.
Addressing a broad range of issues relevant to gender equity in our Community of Practice has allowed us to better explore the ways in which power structures and cultural norms interact to drive gendered experiences of discrimination, marginalisation and oppression. Topics covered in our bi-monthly sessions have included gender transformative practice, communications for gender equality, engaging men and boys, the gender binary and exploring the benefits of a care economy for the public good.
Each of these CoP’s has been tailored to build on the previous session, incrementally increasing participants’ understanding of the complex and compounding impacts of gender inequity on people, communities and society as a whole. This project meets a number of key objectives, outlined in WHGNE’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. Through listening to our communities and working in partnership to build the capacity of organisations and individuals around issues of gender equity, WHGNE hopes to improve the health, wellbeing and safety of women in rural and regional Victoria.
Read more about the Gender Equity Community of Practice and register to join here.