Programme challenging gender stereotypes makes an impact

Law firm Geldards has spoken of its pride after backing a Derby County Community Trust programme designed to challenge harmful gender stereotypes.

The trust’s Switching Formations programme was developed following research which found 61% of UK males aged 16 to 25 years regularly engaged with ‘masculinity influencers’.

Furthermore 35% of these young males had acted on influencer advice, leading them to take steroids or testosterone.

The Switching Formations team, supported by Geldards, is working with schools in Derbyshire to empower secondary school-aged boys to explore healthy, respectful and inclusive forms of masculinity.

The team delivered a 12-session pilot programme in schools using workshops and team-building sessions to challenge harmful stereotypes, build emotional intelligence and personal responsibility.

This pilot programme has now been completed in Lees Brook Academy and Noel-Baker L.E.A.D. Academy in Derby.

Sports changing rooms were highlighted as a problem area, rife with misogynistic attitudes and inappropriate comments.

As a result, workshop sessions in the community tackling these issues were delivered through the trust’s existing Premier League Kicks and Football and Education schemes.

Evaluation following the pilot programme will feed into delivery of the second phase of the programme, due to take place in Landau Forte College Derby and Derby Pride Academy.

Encouragingly, evaluation following the Switching Formations pilot programme revealed a positive shift in attitude among pupils.

Following the sessions in schools, the cohort felt twice as confident to call out misogyny amongst peers.

Students recognised that it was acceptable for men to show emotional vulnerability and demonstrated an improved attitude to equality balance in relationships.

Geldards’ staff also participated in a workshop delivered by Zack Yates from the Switching Formations team at Derby County Community Trust.

Over 80 staff members attended the workshop which explored the growing influence of misogynistic narratives on young people.

Staff learned about the threat posed to young people by the normalisation of harmful stereotypes, and the rise of the so called ‘manosphere’.

They also learned about the positive impact that Switching Formations had achieved on participating schools.

David Williams, chair of Geldards, said: “Geldards is delighted to support this vitally important work being carried out in schools by the Switching Formations team at Derby County Community Trust.

“I know our Geldards staff found the workshop eye-opening, and the session certainly prompted a healthy debate among colleagues about the steps we need to take to keep young people safe.

“The rise in misogyny and the phenomenon of toxic masculinity has been an alarming development in society; by tackling these issues head on and taking pre-emptive action to challenge harmful attitudes and educate the next generation, we are actively fostering inclusive communities.”

Chris Tomlinson, head of business development at Derby County Community Trust, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Geldards for their support of the Switching Formations programme.

“Their commitment allows us to reach more young people across Derby, challenging harmful gender norms and helping to shape a more respectful, emotionally aware generation.”