School curriculums set to make changes amid women's safety concerns
Self-defence classes could be taught to girls at secondary schools
Schools in Worcestershire could make curriculum and policy changes in the wake of growing calls to tackle violence and harassment against women and girls.
One school is considering introducing self-defence classes for younger pupils, while another is now allowing girls to wear strappy tops on non-uniform days.
It comes as students and their families are demanding change from schools in the wake of Sarah Everard's death.
Jemma McCarron, a mother from Worcestershire, said:
"I'm really pleased we're finally having a bigger conversation about it which I hope will lead to some positive changes.
"But I do think male violence does need to be dealt with at a political and legislative level rather than on a peace meal basis.
"However, I do think changing the curriculum is schools is a positive approach as long as the emphasis is on changing the culture that tells men and boys that they can treat other people in a violent manner needs to be dealt with".
The headteacher at a school in Nottingham has spearheaded this call to action and the school is looking at starting self-defence classes from Year 7 after parents called for the training to be offered earlier on in school in light of the recent events and discussions.
Julie Keller, head of Nottingham Girls' High School says she thinks "there'll be a new wave, a new movement" conversation about women and their safety.
Her comments come as allegations of a "rape culture'' in a number of private schools have sparked concern among politicians and sector leaders.
Thousands of testimonies have been given on the Everyone's Invited website, where people can anonymously share experiences of misogyny, harassment, abuse and assault.
Jemma McCarron added:
"We should absolutely be making sure our sex and relationship education is focussing on the issue of consent.
"There are ways of teaching this in an age-appropriate way, my daughter was taught using massage when she was at school, and that we should teach that consent is something that is enthusiastically and actively given.
"I do think the self-defence classes may be a short-term solution. it should not be about women defending themselves against male violence, but instead about challenging male violence in society, recognising it's the second pandemic we're facing and taking action".