16 Days of Activism
16 Days of Activism is an international initiative established by the United Nations to raise awareness and encourage communities to take action to end gender-based violence.
16 Days of Activism runs from 25 November to 10 December.
25 November is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and 10 December is International Human Rights Day.
During the 16 days, people around the world unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes, and call for improved laws and services to end gender-based violence for good.
We all deserve to be safe, equal and respected. "A violence free Victoria. It all starts with respect".
Stayed tuned for more information about the 2026 campaign.
2026 events
Community Walk Against Violence
Mount Alexander Shire Council is hosting a Community Walk Against Violence – We say yes to respect - to raise awareness, foster solidarity, and promote a safer, more respectful community for all.
When: 4pm, 25 November 2026. Meet at the Market Building Castlemaine.
Join us to amplify the message that violence has no place in our community—and that together, we can create change. It all starts with respect.
People of all genders welcome, bring your friends, family, workmates. Bring your signs and banners or walk with our community banner. We encourage you to wear orange, the theme colour for this campaign. Let's stand together against gender-based violence in our community.
More details to come....
Launch of Respect starts at the table Community Cookbook
Come along to the community walk against violence and collect a free copy of our community cookbook: Respect Starts at the Table.
Wednesday 25 November 2026, Victory Park, Castlemaine.
More details to come.
Crochet Flower Project
The Crochet Flower Project is a shire-wide craft project where community members can crochet, wear and share orange flowers during 16 Days of Activism.
The project aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence, and remove stigma by encouraging conversations about respect, gender equality and the drivers of violence against women.
How to get involved
- Crochet orange flowers which you can wear as a brooch, gift to family and friends, or bring along to a community event to share with others.
- Wear and share your orange crochet flowers during 16 Days of Activism (25 November to 10 December).
Download a crochet flower pattern(PDF, 306KB) or watch a How to crochet a flower video tutorial.
Support and resources
Information and resources on gender-based violence will also be available in the foyer of the Castlemaine Library throughout 16 Days of Activism.
If you need help or would like to speak with someone about concerns of violence in your life, there a number of resources are available:
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger, for police and ambulance.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing family violence, help is available:
Learn more at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Support.
More information
For more information about events and activities this year please contact Melissa Fowler, Council's Community Projects Officer, at m.fowler@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.
For more information about 16 Days of Activism, or for ideas and resources on how to get involved please visit Safe and Equal or Respect Victoria.
16 Days of Activism is an initiative that Council has supported since 2018. Through involvement with Respect Victoria’s 'Respect: Call it Out' campaign, community and staff events have been delivered to raise awareness of gender-based violence and the link to gender equality.
Events
A number of community events will be running to support 16 Days of Activism.
Keep an eye on www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Events.