16 Days of Activism at the City of Monash

Orange light civic centre

Everyone has a role to play in ending gender-based violence

16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence is a widely recognised global campaign that signifies action towards ending violence against women and girls around the world.

It starts on 25 November 2024 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and ends on 10 December 2024 (Human Rights Day). 

Council is proud to be supporting 16 Days of Activism and will host several activities to help our community ‘get involved’ and champion positive messages of gender equality, while raising awareness that violence against women, including family violence, are human rights issues, and are unacceptable and preventable. 

What’s happening?

Lighting up Monash Civic Centre

Once again, we will light up the Monash Civic Centre orange (except 1 December for World AIDS Day) in recognition of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence Campaign.

Monash Staff Walk Against Violence

Council staff will participate in a walk against violence to Bogong Reserve in Glen Waverley.

Representatives from Kara Family Violence Service will attend to build awareness and answer questions.

Start the Conversation Webinar

Start the Conversation: Family Violence Prevention is Everyone's Business Webinar

Tuesday 3 December 2024, 7.30pm - 9pm

Online webinar

Register online 

Join us for this free webinar featuring a panel of experts who will explore the impacts of family violence, what you can do to help prevent it, and the supports available.

Patricia Karvelas will moderate a panel of speakers which includes Professor JaneMaree Maher from Monash University, lived experience advocate Julie-Ann, and primary prevention educator Trent Larkman.

The webinar is a collaboration with Knox City Council and Maroondah City Council and is open to everyone in the community.

More information and speaker bios at www.monash.vic.gov.au/start-the-conversation

Gender Equality Storytimes

Monash library branches will be holding gender equality-themed storytime sessions between 25 November and 29 November 2024. This will involve age-appropriate themes of respect.

Clayton Library

Monday 25 and Friday 29 November, 10.30am

Glen Waverley Library

Tuesday 26 November, 10.30am and Thursday 28 November, 10.30am

Mount Waverley Library

Tuesday 26 November, 10.30am

Mulgrave Library

Tuesday 26 November, 2.30pm

Oakleigh Library

Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 November, 10.30am

Wheelers Hill Library

Wednesday 27 November, 10.30am.

No Booking required.

More information at https://www.monlib.vic.gov.au/Children-and-Youth/Storytime

Become a campaign advocate

If you can’t participate in one of our campaign events, you can still play a part by visiting Respect Victoria’s website (16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence 2024 | Respect Victoria) to learn more about how you can get involved.

What can you do?

Monash Quick Response Grants Program

In the lead up to the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign (25 November- 10 December), and all year round, we encourage Monash community groups and artists to apply for projects or events that promote gender equality and the prevention of family violence and all forms of violence against women.

The MonashQuick Response Grants are designed to support local community groups and individual creative efforts to assist in strengthening community and building cohesion. This opportunity is for those whose projects, programs or issues that may arise outside of the normal funding cycle of the Monash Community Grant Program.  Up to $5,000 funding is available.

For further information please visit:  Quick-Response-Grant-Program

If you have an innovative idea, please contact the Monash Community Grants Team on 9518 3555 or at monash.grants@monash.vic.gov.au to discuss it.

Why is this important?

Did you know?

  • 1 in 2 women have experienced sexual harassment since the age of 15  
  • 1 in 4 women have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15  
  • 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual assault since the age of 15  
  • 1 in 3 LGBTIQA+ people have experienced violence from a partner, ex-partner, or family member  
  • 3 in 5 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by a male intimate partner.  

(Data Sourced: Safe and Equal, 2022)

Gender based violence is a prevalent and distressing issue in Australia, and while the statistics are confronting, we know that it is preventable.

Stopping gender-based violence starts with addressing gender equality. We all have a role to play in changing attitudes and creating a more equitable world.

Support is available

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, support is available: 1800RESPECT at 1800 737 732 (National Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service).

For more info on support services visit our web page: Family Violence Support

 

When

  • Monday, 25 November 2024 | 09:00 AM - Tuesday, 10 December 2024 | 11:00 PM