International Women's Day

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The day exists to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action to forge gender parity. This is mahi that we are committed to as a college.

We believe that every day must be International Women's Day to achieve gender parity, which is gained by our daily words and actions. That said, we did celebrate our amazing wāhine toa on staff with a special morning tea in the library on Monday.

We also shared a short article with staff about the fundamental role that schools can play in challenging gender inequality. Male teachers can challenge misogyny in schools every day, not just on International Women's Day

The article draws attention to the ways that male staff can disrupt patriarchal and misogynistic behaviours.

‘…when men promote gender equality and challenge harmful forms of masculinity, they show boys that this is what men can, and should, do. They show boys that fighting for gender equality is not only women’s responsibility.’

The article also makes this important comment:

'Misogyny stems not only from explicit acts, but also from inaction. When male teachers choose not to interrupt derogatory talk, sexist jokes or sexual harassment, those attitudes and behaviours become normal.'

We thought this was a great reading to share with our community, as there is resonance in the discussion for the other influential men in our young people's lives.

We like to talk about positive masculinity at McGlashan, which is the expression of attitudes and behaviours (character strengths and virtues which any gender might have) that have been embodied and enacted by males for the common good, both individually and for the community. Open and honest conversation at home helps bring this to the fore. Together, we can provide a counter to the more negative views that our boys encounter online and in social media feeds.

If you want to know more about positive masculinity, read this post on the Crowther Centres website. The Crowther (based in Melbourne) is doing amazing and impactful work in this area.

Dr. Aaron Columbus

Principal | Tumuaki