The sport’s governing body has attracted criticism for its response to the recent incident involving a stripper at a Chiefs function and has appointed a panel of nine people to examine its attitudes towards women.
The St Hilda’s Collegiate School principal feels passionate about helping young people navigate the minefield of modern media and hopes she can play a part in promoting more respectful behaviour.
Her background is in high-performance sport. She managed the Silver Ferns and the Black Ferns and is on the board of Sport New Zealand, and her role as a principal gives her a good insight into the issues young people face.
"I feel strongly about the way society is shaping young people," Barron said.
"The issues are around the objectification of women, the proliferation of pornography on the internet and the way that is shaping our young people about what they think is healthy behaviour.
"If you work with young people you will see that the world is changing for them, and I feel strongly about our role as educators and parents to stand up for what we believe is the right way to treat people, and the right way to treat people with respect."
Detail around how often the panel will meet and what the scope of the review will be is still to be sorted out. But Barron felt New Zealand Rugby had shown leadership by asking people to help.
"Good on them for putting the panel together. I think it is good that they get people in to help them do it right and do it better.
"I think it takes courage to invite an independent panel in to do a review.
"My understanding is we will be looking at the policy and practices around the induction, education and management of athletes coming into rugby.
"The rugby union is a hugely influential organisation and it is exciting to think they would take the opportunity to shape the way people see themselves and relate to each other. To have that kind of influence, in a really positive way around respectful relationship, is something really exciting.
"It is an amazing opportunity for rugby to lead and be part of a positive societal change around the treatment of women."
