School’s nearly out for the Power to End Violence Against Women program – but not before a few final lessons.

In the lead-up to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women last month, Wirreanda Secondary School students participated in the program and had an opportunity to speak with Port Adelaide Football Club defender Emmanuel Irra.

Emmanuel is the club’s first Ugandan player and has joined the PEVAW project as a program ambassador.

As we mark 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence around the globe, Emmanuel has this message:

“We all need to think about our attitudes and behaviors towards females in our lives. Violence against women is unacceptable.’’

This year, more than 20 schools and 1580 boys in Year 10 have participated in the PEVAW program which is funded by Centacare and the State Government.

Students learn about respect, trust, gender equality, healthy relationships and the dangers of abusive behaviour.

“One of the biggest benefits of the program is that it raises awareness of domestic violence,’’ says Jake Battifuoco, Youth Programs Manager of Power Community Ltd.

“A lot of the young men we work with may not know it’s an issue in society if they’ve never seen or experienced domestic violence.

“This opens their eyes to the fact that DV is more than just physical abuse; it’s words, control and other behaviours that can have a significant impact on women.

“It also gives them an understanding of the important role they can play as a bystander to help out a mate, friend or a family member who may be experiencing domestic violence.’’