Violence Against Women and Girls Prevention
At Voicebox, we believe preventing Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) begins with fostering respect, empathy, and equality among young people. Our innovative approach, centred around Healthy Masculinity Workshops, empowers students to challenge harmful gender norms and create a culture of inclusion.
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By exploring Understanding Gender Norms, Personal Values, and Redefining Healthy Masculinity, we engage students of all genders in meaningful discussions that promote healthier relationships and reduce harmful behaviours.
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Our approach: empowering change in schools​
Understanding gender norms
Traditional notions of masculinity often emphasise dominance, aggression, and emotional suppression - values that harm boys, girls, and non-binary individuals alike. We help students critically examine these expectations, encouraging healthier, more respectful interactions that break down power imbalances and challenge harmful stereotypes.
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Exploring Personal Values
Our workshops guide students to connect these issues with their deeply held personal values. This introspective approach inspires authentic, lasting behavioural change, as students learn to align their choices with who they truly want to be.
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Redefining Healthy Masculinity
We redefine masculinity by embracing emotional expression, vulnerability, and respect. By promoting inclusive values, students of all genders gain the tools to dismantle stereotypes, fostering healthier relationships and reducing the risk of harmful behaviours.
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Our impact across London
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Gender, Harassment, and Abusive Relationships project with Harrow Council
Funded by Harrow Council, this project addresses issues of gender, harassment, and abusive relationships in secondary schools. Beginning in October 2023, we’ve delivered impactful assemblies and workshops tailored for boys and girls, with inclusive solutions for non-conforming students. By redefining masculinity, we create an environment where all students can challenge societal pressures and embrace empathy, respect, and equality.
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Exploring healthy masculinity in Merton schools
In partnership with Safer Merton, we’ve worked with over 900 students and 26 teachers since September 2023, addressing the rise of misogyny, sexism, and rigid gender stereotypes. Highlights include:
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Primary School (KS2): Workshops for Year 5 and 6 students explored stereotypes and allyship. By the end, 93% of participants rejected harmful notions like "crying shows weakness," empowering students to express themselves freely.
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Secondary School (KS4): Workshops helped older students analyse societal pressures, redefine resilience, and access tailored digital resources for ongoing support. Feedback revealed meaningful shifts in attitudes, with students embracing a broader understanding of masculinity.
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Teacher Training: We equipped educators with the tools to discuss masculinity confidently and support their students’ development.
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Upcoming projects in 2025
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We’re expanding our reach with youth workers and a local youth centre, enhancing support for young people outside of schools. Additionally, we’ll culminate our work in Merton with a Knowledge Dissemination Event on March 13, 2025, highlighting the project’s transformative impact.​​
Want to learn more?
Read our blog post:
Exploring healthy masculinity in Merton schools: A Voicebox and Safer Merton project
Promoting gender inclusivity and addressing masculinity is key to building a healthy and productive workplace...
Yet many businesses overlook the impact of unhealthy masculinity and its influence on workplace dynamics.
Our Healthy Masculinity in the Workplace training gives businesses the tools to promote healthy masculinity within the workforce, as well as developing leadership styles that balance strength with empathy and support, aiming towards more effective management styles and more inclusive environments.
This training creates an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Why this matters
By addressing masculinity and gender issues, your organisation demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being.
This proactive approach helps prevent incidents of misconduct, improves retention, and enhances your employer brand, attracting diverse, innovative talent and boosting overall competitiveness.