Gender-based violence is a major issue in Australia specially in an age where young people’s exposure to different societal narratives and messages has increased dramatically in traditional as well as social media. Efforts to communicate positive and empowering messages must be backed with formats that engage students and address key concerns as experienced by young people themselves. TESSA Inc. gender specific respectful relationship programs (EXPECT RESPECT and MATMAN) use interactive conversations, brief concept presentations, and physical activities to engage the students and help them embody the concepts explored.
Themes in each program have been selected using a combination of research, Respectful Relationships curriculum consideration, as well as stakeholder and young people consultation. The evaluation processes aim to capture both, the objective understanding of particular themes as well as the subjective experience of the students. During the 45-minute workshop, participants will experience some of the key activities and their links to respectful relationships and gender narratives. They will also learn how this format provides agency, voice and sense of ownership to the students highlighting the importance of participatory and active respectful relationships education. As one program participant stated, “this program is not about DO THIS but more about YOU CAN DO THIS!”.
Rodrigo Castellanos
Rodrigo has over 20 years’ experience in project management, sustainability and environmental markets. In 2010 Rodrigo cofounded RAMP Carbon Pty Ltd while leading the development of a series of major environmental and social programs in Latin America and Africa. In 2005 Rodrigo joined as Director of Research the corporate social responsibility ratings agency RepuTex in Melbourne, Australia focusing on Risk Assessment and Carbon Finance. Prior to this he worked in the Citigroup Private Bank in New York and Mexico City. In February 2017 Rodrigo was employed as the inaugural MAT Life Skills Program Manager for TESSA Inc.
Irena Krol
Irena is a certified shiatsu practitioner with extensive experience in teaching people about self-care and wellbeing practices. Since 2015 she has been a certified life skills instructor helping to empower young people to better manage challenges in their lives.
In 2024, she co-developed the Expect Respect program, an initiative focused on fostering respectful relationships and personal safety for young women and is currently the leading instructor of the program in Victoria.
Irena started training Aikido in 2002. For several years she has been teaching beginners’ classes helping students to establish strong foundations in terms of body awareness and technical development.
Kami Castellanos Krol
Kami is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at the ANU. She has a strong passion for diplomacy, policy development, and human rights. Kami has been actively involved in initiatives that promote social justice and community empowerment. At TESSA Inc., she co-developed the Expect Respect program, an initiative focused on fostering respectful relationships and personal safety for young women. She has also volunteered with Melel Xojobal in Mexico, supporting indigenous children through education and life skills programs. Kami is fluent in English and Spanish and thrives in multicultural environments, enjoying engagement with diverse communities.