Our Watch

"To take an intersectional approach in the broader work with men and boys we need to think about how men are differently located within our systems of power and how masculinity intersects with different aspects of identity and experience" Shane Tas (he/him), Principal Advisor, Masculinities at Our Watch. "By acknowledging these intersections we can really build acceptance for more inclusive and nuanced models of masculinity and create space for men to express themselves without being boxed into a singular 'dominant' form of masculinity." Priyanka A., Project Lead at Our Watch. Recently, Shane Tas and Priyanka Ajit joined the panel at The Man Question Event, run by the Multicultural Centre for Women's Health. It was a fantastic event, thoughtfully exploring how to meaningfully engage men—particularly from migrant and refugee backgrounds—in preventing gendered violence. A huge thank you to the Multicultural Centre for Women's Health for holding this event, and to all the panelists and speakers who shared their insights and expertise. If you're interested in learning more about The Man Question, you can watch the highlights below or read more about the event on the MCWH website: https://lnkd.in/g2srNSEY

Today is Trans Day of Visibility! It is an annual international celebration of trans pride and awareness, recognising transgender, gender diverse and non-binary experiences and achievements 🏳️⚧️ We are proud to stand in solidarity with the trans community and work towards a future free from violence for everyone! #TransDayOfVisibility #TDOV [Alt: Pink, blue and white text, designed to look like it has been drawn by pencil. text reads: Trans Day of Visibility, March 31 #tdov]

In 2024, Our Watch worked with Myriad Kofkin Global and held a national consultation on preventing violence against women from migrant and refugee backgrounds. We spoke to participants about new and existing primary prevention work to find out what is needed to ensure prevention efforts across Australia are responsive to the needs of multicultural communities. Thank you to all of our participants for contributing their insights and expertise! Find the snapshot of our consultation findings below, or read the full report on our website: https://lnkd.in/gDX7aWc2

What is primary prevention? Primary prevention means stopping gender-based violence before it starts. It addresses the drivers of violence – the underlying social conditions and behaviours that allow gender-based violence to happen. Primary prevention occurs in many different settings and contexts across the country. That's why we want to showcase the prevention work happening in Australia. This week, we are partnering with Women with Disabilities Victoria to feature their Enabling Women Leadership Program. This amazing program supports women and gender diverse people with disabilities to see themselves as leaders. Together, we can shift attitudes, behaviours and systems that drive gender-based violence. Join the conversation and showcase your primary prevention work! #ThisIsPrevention [Video description: Amongst shots of group discussions and workshops, people working, and footage of the Enabling Graduation celebration, are people speaking to camera. Speakers in order are: Bridget Jolley (she/her) – Women’s Empowerment Officer - Youth and Leadership Programs, Women with Disabilities Victoria Julia Coscolluela (she/her) – former participant and now Youth and Leadership Programs Co-facilitator, Women with Disabilities Victoria Linda (she/her) – recent participant of the Program Footage of the Graduation celebration includes people gathering and making connections, as well as graduates making speeches and being presented with certificates. There is also a poster of a tree with handwritten strengths on purple leaves, and decorated plant pots Text at the start and end of the video has “This is Prevention” “People with disabilities”]

How can universities create safer, more inclusive environments for students? How can they challenge harmful behaviours and promote gender equality?    In our upcoming webinar, we will provide practical strategies to help universities meaningfully engage students in prevention approaches and promote student voices.    Hear from our panel of experts including  ✅ Natasha Mikitas, Full Stop Australia   ✅ Dr Lucy Mercer-Mapstone, Collective Voices Consulting   ✅ Saxon McGregor, Bond University     This free webinar will take place on Thursday 10th April. Register for your place today! https://lnkd.in/gdWgUXiz

TAFEs play a vital role in stopping violence before it starts. That's why we have launched Equal Space: Resources for TAFEs and universities to prevent violence against women and their children. These short videos and learning modules will support TAFEs to start building their knowledge about the link between a whole-of-TAFE approach to gender equality and preventing violence against women across Australia. Find them on our website: https://lnkd.in/gWXKg-pb [Video description: A short animation]

How can positive expressions of masculinity foster inclusion, equality and cultural change?    Our upcoming webinar will explore this question, examining the role of sport in shaping masculinities. It will be a great opportunity for sports leaders and professionals looking for practical strategies for driving positive change.    Hear from experts including  ✅ Kade Matthews from Proud2Play  ✅ Kathleen Denny from GippSport Men as Allies Program  ✅ Dom Alford from Jesuit Social Services    This free webinar will take place on Wednesday 9th April. Register for your place today! https://lnkd.in/gVwH4EFf

“This campaign is about giving people the confidence to step up, support each other, and make respect the norm. Fostering a culture of respect starts with everyday actions – real mates hold each other accountable and create spaces where everyone feels safe and valued.” Our Watch CEO Patricia Kinnersly speaking to Men's Health Australia about TikTok and The Line's campaign ‘Respect. It’s the GOAT‘. https://lnkd.in/ebU6XWq8

This morning Our Watch CEO Patricia Kinnersly appeared on ABC to discuss Our Watch's submission to the NSW inquiry into the impacts of harmful pornography. Read our full submission on our website: https://lnkd.in/gtn_JUg4 [Video description: A navy blue background with a green audio wave that moves along with the audio. Underneath, a photo of Patty Kinnersly, Our Watch CEO.]

"I challenge everyone to dig deep and ask yourself, am I truly doing the best I can in learning and accepting the truth of the ongoing harm and treatment of Aboriginal people in our country today?” Regan Mitchell, Wiradjuri-Ngunnawal woman, Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy at Our Watch.    Last week, Regan Mitchell spoke at FW (Future Women)'s International Women's Day event.   Featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, it was an amazing opportunity to reflect on the First Nations women who have been speaking truth to power for generations.   Thanks to Future Women for this important event and to all the speakers for sharing their insights. Read more about the event on the Future Women website: https://lnkd.in/gTtdgdGP [Alt: 1. A photo of Regan Mitchell, Wiradjuri-Ngunnawal woman and Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy at Our Watch. She is speaking into a microphone at a podium. To the right, a quote from Regan reads: “We need you to stand with us and stand up for us for a real chance at change – and I believe we all want that.” 2. Regan Mitchell speaking into a microphone at a podium. 3. Miranda Ratajski, Helen McCabe, Marjorie Anderson, Gabrielle Ebsworth, Yarraka Bayles, Lisa Sarago and Regan Mitchell stand together, smiling at the camera.]