DWC 100 Women: Chanel Contos, Teach Us Consent

When Chanel Contos, a young woman from Sydney, first voiced her experiences and those of her peers, she had no idea the tidal wave she would create. 

What began as a simple Instagram poll asking friends if they had experienced or knew someone who had experienced sexual assault at school soon became a national movement—a movement that’s challenging perceptions, empowering survivors, and demanding real change in Australia’s education system.

Chanel’s journey to activism started as many do—with a personal story. Her life, like that of countless others, was marked by unsettling encounters and conversations that made her realise how widespread and normalised sexual misconduct had become. 

She knew something had to change. So, in early 2021, she took a brave step: she created Teach Us Consent, a campaign that quickly took on a life of its own. 

Within days, her call to action was met with an overwhelming response. Thousands of testimonies poured in from young women and men all across the country, exposing a hidden reality that most people refused to acknowledge. The stories revealed a deeply ingrained problem where casual harassment, peer pressure, and blurred lines were common experiences. 

Teach Us Consent is not just a campaign—it’s a clarion call for systemic change. It aims to ensure that comprehensive and age-appropriate consent education becomes a core part of the school curriculum. Chanel believes that educating young people from an early age about respect, boundaries, and consent will pave the way for a future where conversations around these topics are normalised and respectful relationships are the norm.

As with many young women who step into the spotlight of social change, Chanel has faced criticism and scrutiny. Detractors have attempted to discredit her voice, suggesting that the problem isn’t as severe as she’s made it out to be or that she is simply "overreacting." She’s been on the receiving end of relentless trolling and vile personal attacks, and her character has been questioned.

Amid the noise and backlash, she’s stood firm, channelling the pain of criticism into strength and perseverance. She knows that these reactions are just a reflection of the very culture she’s fighting to change—a culture where too many are still uncomfortable acknowledging the uncomfortable truth of sexual misconduct and its prevalence.

Her efforts have already borne fruit. In 2021, Chanel presented a petition with over 44,000 signatures to the Australian government, urging for sexual consent education to become mandatory in schools. The groundswell of support was undeniable, and her persistence led to the New South Wales Department of Education committing to mandate consent education as part of the curriculum. 

This monumental achievement is a first step towards ensuring that future generations grow up informed, compassionate, and equipped with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and others.

But Chanel isn’t stopping there. She continues to collaborate with politicians, educators, and advocates to expand the scope of Teach Us Consent, ensuring that this isn’t just a temporary change but a long-lasting shift in how society approaches the issue of consent. Her activism goes beyond policy—she’s working to build a community of support for survivors, providing a platform where their voices can be heard and advocating for reforms in justice and support systems to better address the needs of those who have experienced sexual violence.

Chanel Contos represents more than a fight for consent education; she’s a symbol of courage, a living reminder that when one person speaks up, it can create a ripple effect that inspires thousands. Her journey is proof that change doesn’t come easily, but it’s possible with determination and a willingness to confront difficult truths.