GCBC

Girls Can Boys Can

Girls Can Boys Can is a primary prevention program developed by the Tangentyere Women’s Family Safety Group, in partnership with the Tangentyere Family Violence Primary Prevention Division and Larapinta Child and Family Centre. It addresses the known drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence through championing gender equality, challenging discriminatory attitudes and promoting healthy relationships at the early childhood and primary school levels, so that all children can grow up in a world free from violence.

Gender-based violence is preventable

Stopping violence before it begins is one way we can contribute to a safer world for all. We know that gender inequality and discrimination are key drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence against women and children. This is where Girls Can Boys Can makes a difference.

Despite our best efforts, society still dictates how girls and boys get to grow up

From the beginning, boys are told to, “toughen up” and girls are told to “look pretty”. Although seemingly innocent, these phrases turn into deeply embedded lessons on how boys and girls should be, act, live and grow up. Multiply these lessons by a thousand times in your most formative years and we get men who aren’t able to cry or express emotions in healthy ways, and women who don’t feel like their voices are worth hearing.

What would happen if we flipped that script?

What would happen if we told boys they could cry and girls that their voices mattered (not just their appearance)? What would happen if we made sure all children had access to all toys, emotions, activities and opportunities? This is where Girls Can Boys Can interrupts these lessons. We have a variety of ready-to-use resources, workshops and toolkits designed for educators to engage in meaningful and reflective conversations on gender, colonisation and healthy relationships with learners of all ages and stages. Visit our website to see how you can make a difference and help bring an end to domestic, family, and sexual violence.

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