Media release – EMBARGOED UNTIL TUESDAY 30TH JULY, 6AM
Women’s Health Victoria and The Aunties have today launched an Australian-first training to transform how mentors in the advertising industry respond to disclosures of gender-based violence.
‘Support Talk’ is an online video-based training designed to equip mentors with the skills and confidence to respond to disclosures in a safe and supportive way. The training was developed by Women's Health Victoria in partnership with The Aunties, a support network for women and gender diverse people in creative industries. The training merges industry experience with expertise in primary prevention of gender-based violence.
A recent survey from the Advertising Council Australia found 1 in 4 women in the advertising industry reported being bullied, undermined or harassed at work in the last 12 months.
“Organisations and businesses are legally required to take action to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. By ensuring mentors and leaders have the tools and knowledge to respond to disclosures of sexual harassment, The Aunties are supporting the advertising industry to take important steps towards meeting these obligations," said Lauren Zappa, Manager Gender Equity and Capacity Building, at Women's Health Victoria said.
Despite mentoring being common in creative industries, there is no existing training for mentors to navigate disclosures of gender-based violence. Support Talk fills that gap, providing a creative, evidence-based course that is responsive to the needs of the advertising industry.
Ms. Zappa emphasised the importance of mentoring roles. “The relationship between mentor and mentee is an important one, and it can take many forms both within and outside of the workplace. That's why this training is vital for any leader – providing the skills and knowledge they need to respond to various disclosures, including family violence, sexual harassment and discrimination.”
Founder of the Aunties, Phoebe Sloane, said: “We’re experiencing new generations of talent entering the industry who won’t tolerate these kinds of behaviour, as well as a current generation who have been rising the ranks and are growing increasingly more empowered to speak up, support and change the industry for the better.
“However, receiving a disclosure whether it be current, or past can feel overwhelming. You might be worried about saying the wrong thing, saying too much or too little. Support Talk teaches four simple steps to help mentors respond in these moments.
“It was essential to us that the training, while educational, was also engaging to complete. Like everything we do, we wanted not only to take action, but to do it in a uniquely Aunties way. It has been an honour to collaborate with Lauren and the Women's Health Victoria team. Their expertise, support and time has been so valuable.”
Support Talk is suitable for mentors and leaders across all industries and is free for anyone to access for the first three months. Find out more at www.whvtraining.com.au/support-talk
Quote/s attributable to
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Lauren Zappa, Manager Gender Equity and Capacity Building, Women's Health Victoria
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Phoebe Sloane, Founder, The Aunties
About us:
About Women's Health Victoria
Women’s Health Victoria is a statewide, feminist, non-profit organisation working with government, the health sector, and the community to improve health outcomes for women (cis and trans inclusive) and gender diverse people. We advocate for healthcare rights and access, deliver health promotion resources, and operate vital information and support services, so that all Victorians have the opportunity to access optimal health and wellbeing, free from bias and discrimination. For more information, visit whv.org.au
About The Aunties
The Aunties is Australia’s largest mentoring movement in the advertising and creative industry. A sleeves up support network for women and marginalised genders. The Aunties is here for anyone who wants to connect and be part of our community of creative minded people.
Contact details:
For more information or to arrange interviews with spokespeople including Lauren Zappa (available until 29th July) and Phoebe Sloane, please contact:
Charlotte Strong, Manager Brand and Marketing, Women’s Health Victoria
Ph: 0405 393 161
Email: charlotte.strong@whv.org.au
Abigail Dawson, Group Communications Director, Enero Group and Head PR Auntie, The Aunties
Ph: 0415 169 987
Email: abigail.dawson@bmf.com.au
