Key Facts:
· More than 40 people from the EU Delegation and Member State embassies ran The Canberra Times Run as Team Europe.
· Team Europe worked with NGO Run Against Violence to get people talking about prevention in their own communities in Australia.
· The run leads into the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVAW) on 25 November, which starts the global 16 Days of Activism.
The European Union Delegation to Australia together with EU Member State embassies joined The Canberra Times Run on Sunday 1 November 2026, running as 'Team Europe' to raise awareness in the lead-up to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVAW) on 25 November.
Over 40 EU runners and walkers took part in Team Europe colours, on a route that passes Old and New Parliament Houses before finishing on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
In Australia, violence against women is recognised by the Government as a national crisis. The EU set up a booth in the race village, together with Australian NGO Run Against Violence to encourage discussions about ways to address family violence prevention at the community level.
EU Ambassador to Australia, Lawrence Meredith, said: "Violence against women and girls happens in every country, including in Europe and in Australia. Too often it happens behind closed doors, and too many women carry it alone. On Sunday, Team Europe ran to send a simple message to every woman: you are not alone."
Ending gender-based violence is a priority for the European Union, at home and in its partnerships worldwide. The EU acceded to the Council of Europe's Istanbul Convention in 2023, adopted its first law on combating violence against women in 2024, and works with partners around the world through initiatives such as the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative.
IDEVAW is a global reminder that violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world, yet too often it stays silent, hidden and unreported.
If you or someone you know is affected by family, domestic or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Background
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 and is marked each year on 25 November. It launches the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which concludes on 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Run Against Violence is a volunteer-based association using running and sport to engage communities in preventing family violence and to break down the stigma around seeking help. The Canberra Times Run is one of Canberra's major community running events, with an event village and the Canberra Times as media sponsor.
