Challenging Misogyny in Schools: Addressing The Manosphere's Influence

Overview

Join Dr. Stephanie Wescott for a compelling discussion on how misogynistic online figures, such as Andrew Tate, are influencing school environments, shaping student attitudes, and contributing to the sexual harassment of female teachers. This session will provide research-based insights into gendered violence in education and practical strategies to foster gender equality in schools.

Who should attend?

• Researchers and academics exploring gender, education, and digital culture.
• Pre-service and practicing teachers looking for strategies to challenge misogyny in schools.
• Initial teacher educators (TAFE and Higher Ed) interested in addressing gendered issues in education.
• School leaders and policy makers focused on gender equality initiatives.
• Anyone passionate about fostering safer and more inclusive learning environments.
• Members of the New Frontiers Discipline interested in engaging in contemporary discourse around education

Whether you're teaching in K-12, TAFE, or Higher Education, you won't want to miss this discussion. If you're involved with first-year Higher Education or TAFE programs, this session will challenge you to explore how societal influences might be shaping students' attitudes towards women in your classrooms. Gaining insights into these dynamics is vital for creating vibrant, inclusive, and empowering learning spaces.

Session Breakdown:

10:00 - 10:30 AM | Presentation: ‘An explosion of misogyny’: The role of the manosphere in escalating gendered violence in schools (Dr Stephanie Wescott)

Dr. Stephanie Wescott will deliver a 30-minute presentation as part of International Women’s Day 2025, aligning with the theme #AccelerateAction to challenge the influence of online misogyny in schools. She will examine how figures like Andrew Tate shape student attitudes, reinforce gendered power structures, and contribute to gender-based violence in educational settings.

The presentation will highlight the increasing sexual harassment of female teachers, the lack of institutional support, and the urgent need for systemic change. Drawing on recent research, she will explore how misogynistic online spaces fuel harmful narratives that affect classroom dynamics and student interactions. Educators will gain practical strategies to challenge these narratives, foster gender-equitable learning environments, and equip students with critical digital literacy skills.

By taking action to address these issues, this session supports the broader goal of International Women’s Day to accelerate progress towards gender equality and create safer, more inclusive schools for all.

10:30am AM - 11:30 AM Morning Tea & Conversation with Stephanie Wescott

Join us for the invaluable opportunity to connect one-on-one with Dr. Stephanie Wescott over a cuppa, discuss key insights from the session, and explore how we can work together to #AccelerateAction for gender equality in education. Whether you're an educator, researcher, pre-service teacher, student, or simply passionate about creating safe and inclusive educational settings, this International Women's Day 2025 event is for you.

Everyone is welcome.

Morning tea will be provided via OVC funding support for International Women’s Day, reinforcing Victoria University’s commitment to year-round action for gender equality.

Please register to help us with planning.

Event details:

Date: Friday 11th April, 10-11:30am

Location: 370 Little Lonsdale Street,

Level 4, Room 14 (CTY-T0414), Melbourne

Join Zoom Meeting
https://victoriauniversity.zoom.us/j/85228628433?pwd=cc80PAgB36ba5BEkrAVwLvf3uUY8em.1
Meeting ID: 852 2862 8433
Passcode: 219540

Host or Publisher New Frontiers