Funded by a £250k investment from the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, Steps is a Gender Based Violence education initiative aimed at reducing misogynistic attitudes and behaviours in primary and secondary settings. Designed to complement the GM Gender-Based Violence Strategy, Steps addresses the behaviours that enable and excuse Gender-Based Violence in order to empower boys to make their own communities safer and more equitable.

Steps implements an education-based approach, bringing groups of boys from years five to eight together in hour-long, school-based sessions. Steps invites boys to discuss their identities, responsibilities and concerns related to gender and masculinity. We work with boys to develop an awareness of Gender-Based Violence and gender inequity along with a sense of responsibility to challenge unhealthy behaviours throughout their life course.

Steps is a six-week program (one session per week) and covers the following topics:

• Gender stereotypes, internalisation and misogyny.
• Supporting those effected by online misogyny.
• Online diet and safety.
• Algorithms and social media.
• Healthy Relationships and Active Bystander.

So far Steps has worked with over 400 boys, across six schools and four boroughs in Greater Manchester.

Steps Pathfinder initiative is a completely free chance to avail of our curriculum developed as part of GMCA’s Violence Reduction Strategy and training delivered by a former head teacher with extensive experience implementing equality and diversity policies and initiatives within schools.

If you would like to know more about Steps delivery or our offer of free CPD and resources, reach out to us at steps@salfordfoundation.org.uk