Media release
Inner West Deputy Mayor Chloe Smith
Inner West Council will mark the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign with a special in-conversation event featuring activist and author Chanel Contos and writer and broadcaster Lucinda Froomes.
"Violence against women is a national emergency, and the responsibility to end it rests with all of us," said Inner West Deputy Mayor Chloe Smith. "Council is proud to host this important conversation during the 16 Days of Activism. Chanel Contos and Lucinda Froomes are powerful advocates whose work continues to shift attitudes and inspire change. We encourage our whole community to join us, listen, reflect and take action.
The 16 Days campaign, led internationally by UN Women, runs every year from 25 November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – until 10 December, Human Rights Day. The campaign calls for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, raising awareness about domestic and family violence and inviting communities to take action.
To mark the final day of the campaign, Council will host:
- 16 Days of Activism: Consent Laid Bare – Chanel Contos in conversation with Lucinda Froomes
- When: Wednesday 10 December 2025
- Time: 6:30pm to 7:30pm
- Where: Balmain Town Hall, 370 Darling Street, Balmain NSW
- Accessibility: Mobility accessible
Chanel Contos – founder of the Teach Us Consent movement, which led to mandated consent education across Australia – will explore themes from her book Consent Laid Bare, reflecting on the entrenched cultural norms that continue to shape experiences of gender, sexuality and consent. She will examine what has changed, what has not, and the urgent reforms still required.
In conversation with acclaimed writer, broadcaster and comedian Lucinda Froomes, the event will delve into issues of sexual entitlement, education and the cultural and systemic shifts needed to end gender-based violence.
Attendees may also reserve a copy of Consent Laid Bare.
About the speakers
Chanel Contos is an internationally recognised activist whose advocacy has reshaped the national conversation on consent and rape culture. She has received the Australian Human Rights Commission Young People's Medal, the NSW Young Woman of the Year award, the Diana Award, and was named among the BBC's 100 Women. She holds a Masters in Education, Gender and International Development from University College London and was recently appointed to chair the GIWL Youth Advisory Committee by Julia Gillard.
Lucinda Price (Froomes) is a writer, broadcaster and comedian whose debut book All I Ever Wanted Was To Be Hot became an instant bestseller and won an Australian Book Industry Award. An award-nominated digital creator and CEO of FROOMESWORLD, she is known for her incisive, humorous commentary across multiple media platforms.
A national emergency
More than 1 in 3 women in Australia have experienced men's violence. On average, a woman is killed by a man she knows every 10 days, a rate that grew even higher in 2024. On 28 April 2024, the Prime Minister declared violence against women a national emergency.
Inner West Deputy Mayor and Council reiterate that everyone has a role to play – from changing attitudes and behaviours to addressing systems, policies and practices that allow violence against women and girls to persist.
Inner West Council encourages all residents to participate in this global movement and take part in local events during the 16 Days of Activism.
