Gender-based violence began to sweep the news starting in 2017 when actress Alyssa Milano used #MeToo on social media bringing attention to the movement that began in 2006 by Tarana Burke. I was thirteen at the time and remember catching glimpses of the news and hearing my parents explain to me that women in Hollywood were sharing their stories of sexual assault. I didn’t understand the multifaceted nature of the movement. Participating in the movement wasn’t bound to the survivors from Hollywood- it could be anyone. I was confused about what sexual assault entailed, and it wasn’t until years later, when I decided to research on my own, that I understood the meaning. I remember the Harvey Weinstein trials. That was the only policy or justice that I remember being shared throughout my family and school. Yes, schools cover sexual assault in sex education programs, but oftentimes, the content is outdated or its not covered fully. Some students across the U.S. may not even have sex education. All of this comes to say that youth are unaware about sexual assault and violence until its too late. That is why we are beginning a new curriculum that teaches students about gender based violence from a policy perpsective, so that they are informed and inspired to help prevention efforts.
Introducing students to gender based violence through policy shifts the conversation to both prevention and response and by placing responsibility on governments and institutions, instead of teaching girls that it’s their responsibility to protect themselves. It gives them an outlet to learn and grow and make a longlasting impact in the world. Additionally, most women and girls will never learn about policies and laws that impact women’s and girls’ rights. Teaching these policies, such as Title IX, allows girls to be able to use their resources if they ever face a discriminatory situation and it also allows them to hold institutions accountable for we they are undeserving its citizens. Combining the lessons with S.H.E. Collective pillars creates a positive learning environment for girls to connect with their spirituality and health, in addition to learning heavy topics. Today’s youth needs education. We owe them prevention and response skills. We need to inspire them to change negative statistics and create positive change.