Principal's Report
Dear Families,
Communities around the globe celebrated International Women’s Day this past week. Whilst student recognition of the day was largely conducted within classrooms at Yeronga State School it did not go unmarked. Each year I wear IWD colours. A purple shirt (for justice and dignity) along with a sprig of green (for hope) to signify the day. I am aware I have had opportunities as a woman with my cultural background and country of birth that my sisters with different socio and/or cultural barriers are not afforded. The statistics cannot be ignored;
87,000 women are killed every year just because they are women. Of those, 50,000 are killed by their male partners or family members – and those are only the deaths we know about
2.7 billion women are legally restricted from having the same choice of jobs as men
14% is the size of Australia’s gender pay gap
45 countries do not have specific laws against domestic violence
35% of women globally have experienced sexual or physical violence
Research shows that violence against women is much higher in countries where the economic, social and political rights of women are poorly protected. Violence is consistently worse in areas where power and resources are unequally distributed between men and women (for example by an under-representation of women in parliament and on corporate boards, a pay gap between men and women, and a gender gap in superannuation). Evidence also reveals that the 'constants' in predicting higher levels of violence against women relate to social structures and norms, as well as organisational practices that support gender inequality.
Concurrent to this year’s IWD celebrations came a national focus on the blight of sexual assault and the need to be educating, guiding and supporting our young people more to develop the skills of respectful relationships and consent. As you may be aware, the Minister for Education issued a statement on Wednesday 10 March, outlining the department’s commitment to examining whether existing education materials adequately address sexual consent and reporting in Queensland schools. Schools, in partnership with parents, family and communities play an important role in shaping students’ views on what constitutes a healthy, safe and respectful relationship. It is only by working together that the issue of consent and respect can be fully addressed.
Next week is an opportunity for us to reflect on what it means as the Yeronga State School community to examine how our actions create a sense of inclusiveness, respect and belonging for everyone. Harmony Week 15- 21 March celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. I am looking forward to engaging with students, families and staff throughout the week in the various celebrations planned.
If you are free, consider joining our Junior (9.30am) and/or Senior (1.50pm) special Harmony Day Assemblies. I hear YSS Harmony Day is amazing and I am so looking forward to my first one.
It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Have a great week,
Eunice Webb