Respect Victoria has thrown its support behind a global campaign encouraging people to call out gender-based discrimination and disrespect.
Chief Executive of Respect Victoria, Emily Maguire said the Agency’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign supported the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism (25 November to 10 December).
Kicking off today, Ms Maguire said the campaign encouraged individuals, families, and communities to lead with respect and take small steps towards equality to help prevent violence against women.
“The 16 Days of Activism is a platform to call for change, and to remind us all that preventing violence starts with changing the culture that allows it to happen,” Ms Maguire said.
“Violence against women is preventable, and it’s a challenge that belongs to all of us.”
She said that from Bendigo to Sunbury, Mildura to Whittlesea, organisations, community groups and councils were getting involved to take a stand against violence, with over 60 events taking place right across Victoria.
“On the agenda are conversations that cover topics like men and masculinity and women in sport, art installations designed by young people that focus on gender equality, events for kids and families centred around respect and equality, and health education sessions,” Ms Maguire said.
“The 16 Days of Activism gives us all an opportunity to think about how we can take steps towards equality in our homes, relationships, workplaces and communities,” she said.
“This could look like talking to your kids about the gendered stereotypes they may face, choosing to have a chat with a mate if they make a sexist joke, or having an open conversation with your partner about how the housework is divided up.”
Ms Maguire said Respect Victoria had partnered with Victoria’s peak body for specialist family violence services, Safe and Equal, on the campaign.
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence calendar of campaign events can be accessed on Safe and Equal’s website at this PS News link.
