New online courses empower ad industry to drive gender equality and positive change

Women’s Health Victoria, a leader in promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women, has announced the launch of two transformative online courses: Gender Equality in Advertising and Advertising Workplaces. These self-paced courses aim to equip advertising professionals and students with the knowledge and skills tochallenge gender stereotypes, create inclusive campaigns and provide safe and respectful workplaces.

Says Lisa Gumbleton, head of creative strategy at Think HQ: “As professionals in the advertising industry, it is our responsibility to actively contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society. These courses provide a unique opportunity to deepen our understanding of the harms of gender inequality and equip us with the necessary tools to drive positive change. By embracing diversity and inclusivity in our campaigns, we can truly transform the industry and create a positive impact on society.”

The Gender Equality in Advertising course explores the impacts of sexist advertising, the importance of authentically portraying women, men, and gender diverse individuals, and actionable steps to create advertising and communications that supports gender equality. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of gender inequality and develop the confidence to communicate and apply gender-equitable approaches in transforming gender portrayals.

In the Advertising Workplaces course, participants will delve into the persistence of gender inequality within the Australian workforce and the advertising industry. They will explore the case for gender equality, identify barriers such as unconscious bias and the merit myth, and discover effective tools and strategies to promote a gender-equal workplace. By empowering senior leaders, managers, and human resource staff, this course aims to drive meaningful change within organisations.

Says Lauren Zappa, manager of gender equity and capacity building at Women’s Health Victori: “Our courses offer a unique opportunity for advertising professionals and students to gain the skills and knowledge needed to transform gender portrayals and promote equality. By enrolling in our courses, participants will not only advance their careers but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable advertising industry.”

Enrolment for the courses is now open at shequal.com.au/training. The pricing for each individual course is $60, and a special bundle offer is available for $100. The first 100 people to enrol in the bundle will receive a 50% discount with the code first100_50, and students are eligible for a 50% discount on all courses.

For more information and to enrol, visit shequal.com.au.