The Children, discrimination and rights education project started with Edith Cowan social work intern Patience Makambwa who consulted with four schools in the Perth metropolitan area and will now be expanded to year six students in a broader range of schools throughout Western Australia to find out what young people need to learn about discrimination and human rights.
So far students have indicated a strong understanding of discrimination as negative and unfair treatment directed at difference and personal attributes.
Almost all students recognise race as a ground for discrimination and more than a quarter of students recognise sex and disability as grounds for discrimination.
Twenty percent of students recognise appearance as a ground for discrimination, even though it is not currently a protected attribute under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (the Act).
This matches the findings of the study, Growing Up in Australia, which found discrimination based on body size, shape or physical appearance was the most common type of discrimination reported by twenty percent of Australian teens at ages 14 to 15 and 16 to 17.
Following its review of the Act, the Law Reform Commission recommended physical features be included as a protected attribute under a revised Act.
During discussions the students expressed a desire to learn how to recognise discrimination and ‘fix it’.
When asked how they want to learn about discrimination and rights, they said they wanted to learn from others’ lived experience and to learn more about discrimination and in a way that didn’t make them feel judged or ridiculed.
They also said they wanted to learn how to respond to discrimination and how to teach others not to discriminate.
As part of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, it is the Commission’s role to educate people about their rights and responsibilities under the Act to help eliminate discrimination and harassment in WA.
As part of its strategic objectives for 2022-24, the Commission aims to produce more information about discrimination and harassment suitable for school-aged children because the Commission believes starting conversations and educating young students about these topics is one of the most effective ways of achieving that goal.
Commission Community Education Officer, Dr Greg Watson will oversee the next stages for the project, which will involve expanding discussions with young people across the state so we can get a better understanding of what is important to year six students when it comes to learning about discrimination and rights, and where we can expand on their understanding of those subjects.
Ultimately, the Commission aims to achieve a Western Australian free from discrimination and prejudice, so if we can educate future generations about their rights and responsibilities as they start their journeys in life, I feel hopeful we can create a more egalitarian society in WA.
If your school would like to take part in the next stage, please contact Dr Watson at greg.watson@eoc.wa.gov.au.
Read more about the AHRC Free and Equal project.
