16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence gets underway
Published on 26 November 2024
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Executive team are reminding all community members in the shire to get involved in an activity or an event during this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
The international initiative was 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, which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, which is International Human Rights Day.
The regional theme for 2024 is ‘We can change the story Loddon Mallee. Choose respect.’
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Director Healthy Communities, Lisa Knight, said Council is proud to provide continued support for 16 Days of Activism.
“This global campaign is an incredibly important initiative, and one Council is proud to be involved with,” said Ms Knight.
“Preventing family violence is everybody’s business, and Council is committed to fostering a safe environment for everyone in Mount Alexander Shire.”
“Today, with our partners, Council will be re-establishing our Family Violence Prevention Network.
“This important group is comprised of local partners working in the sector, who share a common aim to tackle the prevention of domestic violence.
“We’re looking forward to working on collaborative outcomes to end gender-based violence in our community,” said Ms Knight.
There are lots of ways for community members to get involved in the free events and workshops being held as part of 16 Days of Activism:
- Join the community vigil at the Northern Arts Hotel on Monday 25 November at 4.30pm.
- Enjoy the nightly art installation at the Northern Arts Hotel.
- Get involved in the Crochet Flower Project by crafting orange flowers to wear and share.
- Join an online event where Women’s Health Loddon Mallee will be discussing men’s roles in respect and equality to prevent gender-based violence.
- Join an author talk at the Castlemaine Library where Hana Assafiri will be talking about her new book Hana: the audacity to be free.
For event details, visit www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Events.
Information and resources on gender-based violence will also be available in the foyer of the Castlemaine Library throughout the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
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:
- Safe Steps: 1800 015 188
- The Orange Door – Mallee: 1800 512 359
- Centre for Non-Violence: 1800 884 292
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
- Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
- MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
- Rainbow Door: 1800 729 367 (or text 0408 017 246)
- Learn more at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Support.
Image (left to right): Darren Fuzzard, Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Knight, Director Healthy Communities, Julie Landy, Director Corporate Services, and Michael Annear, Director Infrastructure and Development.