Direct participation programs involve face-to-face engagement with individuals or groups. These programs provide participants with the skills and confidence to examine their own beliefs and behaviours and to adopt ones that are more supportive of respect and gender equality. 

These programs are particularly effective when they are implemented as part of broader organisational change processes, such as those in schools or workplaces. 

Respectful relationships education

Teach children and young people about gender relations and how to build respectful, non-violent relationships, through age-appropriate curriculum. 

Parenting programs

At a key time of life transition, these programs can promote positive, respectful and equitable parenting practices, challenge gender stereotypes about parenting and encourage healthy and safe family environments. 

Peer or group education programs

Support participants to question sexist beliefs and behaviours in their social group and promote gender equality and respect. 

Women’s economic empowerment initiatives

Build women’s financial literacy or ability to seek employment, or address aspects of women’s economic disadvantage. 

Arts and cultural groups

Produce exhibitions or performances that promote gender equality and challenge rigid gender stereotypes. 

Professional development

Includes training on the gendered nature of violence, discrimination and inequality, and how violence can be prevented. 

• Run programs with multiple sessions, over time, to reinforce changes to attitudes and behaviours. 
• Implement direct participation actions as part of broader, ongoing programs and engagement in a community or organisation. 
• Include interactive elements in your program that require participants to actively engage with the content and the opportunity to practise the skills and knowledge they learn. 
• Adapt existing resources and tailor them to meet the needs and context of your participants. 
• Ensure program facilitators have appropriate expertise. 
• Take care that programs with male facilitators do not unintentionally replicate gender inequality by putting men in positions of power or control over women. 
• Ensure content recognises diversity in your group, including different cultural and linguistic backgrounds and accessibility needs.