Council in partnership with Shoalhaven Women's Health Centre, International Women's Day Shoalhaven, and March 4 Justice South Coast, are inviting the community to take part in a march to advocate for an end to violence against women on the Friday, 4 March 2022 at Nowra Showground.
Violence against women is any act of gender-based violence that causes, or could cause, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering, including threats of harm or coercion, in public or in private.
One in three Australian women (30.5%) have experienced physical violence. One in five Australian women (18.4%) have experienced sexual violence. One in three Australian women (34.2%) have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by a man, and almost one in 10 women (9.4%) have experienced violence by a stranger.
According to the Australian Institute, 87% of women have experienced at least one instance of verbal or physical street harassment. For many women, the stress and anxiety that comes when exercising in a public space negates the physical and mental health benefits. It ultimately prevents many from developing stronger social connections and a sense of belonging.
Reclaim the Night marches are an opportunity for women to unite in a show of strength and unity to claim the right to move through public spaces safely. The march will be united, in peace and solidarity as a community with the belief that everyone has the right to feel safe and to be safe.
With postponement of the Shoalhaven Reclaim the Night March in 2021, organisers have been fortunate to be joined by the March 4 Justice South Coast Movement, who remain united to create equality and justice in Australian Society. This follows the creation of the March 4 Justice grassroots movement after more than 110,000 women and allies marched in 2020 across Australia to demand action.
March 4 Justice aims to transform social attitudes so every person is safe in their homes, their communities and their workplaces, give a voice to women and allies in Australia, support safe and fair workplace practices and advocate for systemic change that encourages a society to be built upon equality.
