The South Australian Government has announced the launch of a new education initiative targeted at preventing violence against women and girls by fostering gender equality and respect in young individuals. Titled ‘Raiise Respect’, this program is set to be rolled out in schools across the state next year, focusing initially on year groups 8 to 10.
‘Raiise Respect’ is part of a larger strategy under the Raiise Respectful Club Environment Program, already active in various sports clubs. It employs an eLearning platform that uses interactive modules to teach key concepts such as the importance of respectful relationships and gender equality, aiming to address the cultural root causes of gender-based violence.
The ‘Raiise Respect’ program has never been more important or urgent, with one woman murdered by a man in Australia every four days in 2024. The program is being launched during the The 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence which is an international campaign that commenced on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and ends tomorrow on 10 December, Human Rights Day. This campaign calls for action against one of the world’s most persistent violations of human rights – violence against women.
The unique spelling of ‘Raiise’, featuring two ‘i’s, which represent figures standing side by side, symbolises unity and equality, promoting the core values of the program.
Katrine Hildyard, the Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, unveiled the initiative at Cabra College. She said “The Raiise Respect program is a game-changer for schools and communities, equipping young people with the tools they need to create a future where respect and equality are the norm.”
This proactive approach towards education about respect and equality aims to empower students to challenge existing stereotypes and harmful behaviours, thereby contributing to safer school environments. Schools interested in implementing the program can sign up for a 60-day trial via the official Raiise website, with the option to continue with expert-led sessions conducted by trained facilitators.
The initiative also extends to sports clubs associated with the Raiise Respectful Club Environments Program, providing them digital access to education modules for young members, at no extra cost.
Supporting the educational mission, Blair Boyer, Minister for Education, Training and Skills, emphasised the vital role schools play in countering negative cultural influences exacerbated by social media. “We want to work with parents, carers, and the wider community to ensure we are providing guidance and role modelling that builds on respectful relationship for all our young people,” Minister Boyer remarked.
Sally Ivens, Deputy Principal at Cabra Dominican College said “The contemporary resources provided as part of the program support educators in facilitating these integral learning opportunities to challenge gender-based discrimination.”
“We are excited to launch the ‘Raiise Respect’ Sporting Club and Schools Program, which is more than just an educational tool—it’s a movement to create lasting change in the way we approach gender equality and respectful relationships,” said Ross Wait, Director of Raiise. He adds, “This program is designed to empower young people to take active roles in challenging stereotypes, supporting peers, and standing up for respect in their school and broader communities.”
Key Features of the Program:
- Interactive eLearning: The program consists of six engaging modules covering topics such as gender equality, gender based violence, diversity and inclusion, respectful relationships, bystander intervention and values.
- Comprehensive Resources: Schools will receive access to lesson plans, downloadable activities, and supportive resources aligned with the Australian Curriculum version 9.
- Empowerment through Education: Students will learn how to navigate healthy relationships, challenge stereotypes, and empower others to promote respectful behaviour.
- Support for Educators: Raiise will provide training and ongoing support for educators to ensure the program is delivered with confidence and care.
How Schools Can Get Involved: Schools are invited to sign up for the program via the Raiise website, where they can access resources, lesson plans, and support materials. The program is available for a 60-day trial, allowing schools to experience its benefits firsthand. For those who wish to have the program facilitated, there is also an option for expert-led delivery by trained facilitators.
*Sporting clubs who have engaged with the Raiise Respectful Club Environments Program will receive digital access to the program for the young people at their club at no charge.
To learn more or sign up for the Raiise Respect Sporting Clubs and Schools Program, visit www.raiise.com.au | www.education.raiise.com.au
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