The Department for Education has announced a new whole-school approach to give schools new package of support to tackle misogyny.

This new strategy builds on the government’s strengthened Relationships, Sex and Health Education curriculum, supported by an investment of £150,000 in a new RSHE expert advisory group.

Susie McDonald, CEO of Tender, said:

‘Misogyny is one of the greatest threats facing young people today – and a whole school approach (WSA) is the best way to protect them.

‘This approach builds healthy, inclusive environments, surrounding children and young people with a community of teachers, families and peers who can confidently challenge misogyny and support students to learn about positive, healthy relationships.

‘Tender’s WSA programme, RE:SET, does exactly this, and its powerful, long-term results are showcased in the London Mayor’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy. Following RE:SET, schools report more respectful peer and teacher-student relationships, and fewer conflicts – 81% of students had the confidence to resolve conflicts calmly following the programme.

‘The government is taking positive steps but the focus on secondary schools is a missed opportunity. This work must begin in primary schools so children can learn about kind, equal and healthy friendships and relationships from an early age.
It’s vital the government harnesses expertise like Tender’s to achieve the change young people so urgently need.’

Media enquiries 

Tender CEO Susie McDonald MBE is available for interview.  

For interview requests and further media enquiries, please contact katevine@tender.org.uk and isadora@tender.org.uk.   

Visit Tender’s Media centre.