A group of young women has used a school-based empowerment program to raise awareness of domestic violence among their peers and the broader Canberra community.
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About 40 Lyneham High year 9 and 10 students armed with signs and coin tins have stepped out for a 12-hour stroll around Lake Burley Griffin to promote healthy relationships and raise funds for Canberra's Domestic Violence Crisis Service.
The young women are among 50 taking part in the school's Supporting Talent Achievement and Resilience program, aimed at empowering teenagers by enhancing SOSE and physical education classes with discussions around women's issues, camps and community projects.
Co-ordinating teacher Kate Cecere said it was the third community walk organised by STAR program participants, which was established in 2009 to support the school community's young women.
The group aimed to raise $5000 during the 6am to 6pm stroll.
Domestic Violence Crisis Service worker Alanna Davis said it was important to discuss healthy relationships, particularly with teenagers.
"The fact that we can engage this bunch of girls is great – anything on top of that is a bonus," she said.
"The world of social media, by engaging with one person it just spreads."
Year 9 student Hannah Nandan said the walking group had received a lot of positive feedback and encouragement from engaged passers-by.
"A few people have come up to the base camp and asked what we're about, said 'hello', which is really great, and we're getting a few donations which is nice," she said Thursday morning.
Year 10 student Chido Nyakuengama said the walk and the wider STAR program gave students a voice.
"It feels a lot more relevant to us as young women, learning about women, and I think it encourages us to participate more in school and voice our own opinions," she said.
Minister for Education Joy Burch said it was critical young men and women were aware of domestic violence.
"One of the insidious problems is that it has remained a hidden problem," she said.
"When we have awareness-raising like this, young women are being encouraged and being given the strength to step up, talk about it, help their friends – that's what will make that social change."
Ms Burch said she was speaking with the Education Directorate about how to best deliver domestic violence and healthy relationship conversations in the classroom.
"Lyneham High School, through the STAR program, is really at the forefront of taking that next step within their own school and having those discussions around what is often difficult matters and issues to talk about," she said.
