We're inviting the Greater Geelong community to join the City in supporting the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Starting on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) and running until Human Rights Day (10 December), this international campaign calls on everyone to work together to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence.
The City is again demonstrating its commitment to a world where everyone is respected by leading and supporting activities that raise awareness of gender-based violence and prevention actions.
We are a partner of Respect 2040; a regional partnership of organisations committed to the elimination of violence against women in the Barwon South West area. Respect 2040 is hosting a series of webinars covering the gendered impact of disasters, engaging men and boys and community driven change.
The City is also supporting the Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre's primary prevention forum on 2 December, called Together We Can – Collective Conversations this 16 Days of Activism .
We're also:
- Supporting the Zonta Club of Geelong's 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence launch event .
- Turning lights at the Geelong Waterfront and on Moorabool and Malop streets orange, symbolising a brighter future free of violence.
- Delivering the Barwon Respect Cup which brings together Year 9 students from 10 schools for a friendly netball competition and to learn about healthy and negative relationships, help-seeking behaviours and bystander intervention.
- Hosting numerous activities and displays aimed at City employees.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM
Violence against women and girls has no place in our community.We're inviting everyone in Greater Geelong to get involved over the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, whether by attending events, learning about respectful relationships or starting a conversation.
Council is proud to stand alongside local organisations and residents to raise awareness, promote respect and drive change.
Councillor Melissa Cadwell
The annual campaign is a powerful reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating a safer, more equal society.We all need to challenge harmful attitudes in our workplaces, homes, sports clubs, community groups and relationships.
This includes simple actions like calling out jokes that put women down, to help create a culture where women are respected.
