Respectful Relationships Education

In 2021, the ACT Government committed to implement a Gender Equality in Schools Initiative. This initiative provides a whole-school approach to Respectful Relationships Education to help prevent domestic and family violence and reduce discrimination and harassment by creating a culture of gender equality and inclusion in schools. A Gender Equality in Schools team was established to implement the Initiative.

In 2024, the Gender Equality in Schools Initiative focused on Respectful Relationships Education (RRE). The initiative supports schools in implementing a whole-school approach to prevent domestic, family, and sexual violence by fostering a culture of gender equality. Support provided includes professional learning, curriculum advice, and the development of resources that promote gender-inclusive practices.

In 2025-26, the Gender Equality team will work with up to 10 schools as pilot sites. To assist these schools in implementing a whole-school approach to RRE, two workshops were held on the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) curriculum, led by Emeritus Professor Helen Cahill from the University of Melbourne. Professor Cahill, author of the RRRR curriculum, is internationally recognised for her research in student wellbeing, teacher development, social and emotional learning, and the prevention of bullying and gender-based violence.

The workshops provided school leaders, teachers, and Education Support Office staff with the opportunity to engage with the evidence base underpinning effective, age-appropriate approaches to teaching Respectful Relationships Education in both primary and secondary school settings.