SWAN Hill District Health is working with playgroups in the district to promote gender equity.
Playgroups have been provided with packs that include gender-neutral storybooks, community guides to gender equity and 'Respect is reading gender neutral stories' bookmarks.
It's part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, from November 25 to December 10.
Respect Victoria aims to promote messages of respect, support and equality through the campaign Respect Women: 'Call it out'.
Increasing support for respect and equality can lead to a reduction in gender-based violence.
Swan Hill district has some of the highest rates of domestic and family violence in Victoria.
The Swan Hill District Gender Equity Network is working with the 16 Days of Activism to promote that "respect is giving all genders equal opportunities".
It says all children should grow up with equal opportunities regardless of gender and be free to be themselves. Children form their ideas around gender roles from their
experience of the world around them such as time spent at playgroups.
By sharing information and starting discussions, educators, parents and caregivers are supported to be role models of equality and respect.
"We are working with playgroups to promote gender equity with those aged 0-5 and their families in the Swan Hill district.
"Playgroups have been provided with packs that include gender neutral storybooks and community guides to gender equity."
Activities to influence ideas of gender include:
• Reading gender neural stories which challenge gender stereotypes;
• Starting open conversations around gender, and;
• Providing children the same choice of play regardless of gender.
To access gender-neutral books as a carer, educator, guardian or parent, head to the Swan Hill Regional Library to select from a variety of gender neutral books they have on offer to borrow.
The Swan Hill District Gender Equity Network is made up of both community members and organisations.
For more information, call Bronte at Swan Hill District Health Community Health on 5033 9337.
