16 Days of Activism

What is the 16 days  of Activism Campaign?

The 16 Days of Activism (16 Days) is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about violence against women and the impact of gender-based violence. The campaign starts on 25 November, the International Day  for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concludes on 10 December, International Human Rights Day. These dates were chosen in order to symbolically link violence against women with human rights issues. In particular, this campaign emphasises the fact that violence, in any form, is a violation of human rights. 

How to get involved Display information regarding gender inequality and the 16 Days of Activism campaign around your workplace. Daily emails to staff in your workplaces providing information and facts regarding gender inequality and the prevention of violence against women. Use the templates provided in this kit. Host a guest speaker at a community event or your workplace to discuss gender inequality and the prevention of violence against women. Partner with a local school, and ask students what their thoughts regarding gender equality in Australia and/or what it means to be a girl, and what it means to be a boy in Australia – share these thoughts during the 16 Days of Activism. Organuse a workshop for sporting clubs, exploring ways they can challenge inequality in their club and strive to be more inclusive and respectful. For more information, contact North East Sport. Host a morning tea and/or lunch and discuss gender inequality and what we can all do create a more equal and respectful workplace/community. Organise a training session for your workplace about Bystander Action. For more information, contact Women’s Health Goulburn North East (WHGNE). Partner with a local school, and develop an art competition for local students exploring gender stereotypes and respectful relationships. Provide your local paper with a good news story and share what you have done to promote gender equality in your workplace/community. Host a movie night exploring traditional masculinity, and what we can do to challenge this stereotype. Host a movie night, screening a movie that promotes women’s empowerment and challenges gender norms. Host a trivia night with the theme of women’s empowerment and gender equality. Host a storytelling at your local library promoting gender neutral books. Organise a workshop for leadership to explore gender equity and what they can do in their organisation. For more information, contact WHGNE. Involve local people in the campaign - and invite them to share what they are doing to promote gender equality and challenge gender norms In partnership with Maternal and Child Health, host an information session on gender neutral toys, and toy marketing. Host a workshop for leadership to explore gender equality and what they can do in their organisation. How we are getting involved

With a higher rate of family violence than all of the councils located in and around Melbourne, we will shine a light on the issues around gender violence, working with key stakeholders, agencies and community to ignite change through advocacy. We are committed to ensuring that people of all genders are actively supported to access and enjoy the same rights, resources and opportunities within the region through the municipality’s social justice framework. 

Find out more about what we are doing for the 16 Days of Activism here: https://www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/council/news-media-notices/media-releases/2018-media-releases-archive/16-days-of-activism.html

Support services

The following services are available if you or someone you know needs help or support: If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

Safe Steps: For confidential support and information in Victoria, call 1800 015 188. Family violence response line open 24/7. 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732. The national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. 24/7 and online services. Men’s Referral Service: 1300 466 491. Professional support and information service for Australian men. 24/7 and online services. Local services - Outreach workers Centre Against Violence (Wangaratta/Benalla): 03 5722 2203 Gateway Community Health (Wodonga): 02 6022 8888 Marian Community (Shepparton): 03 5822 2289 Primary Care Connect (Shepparton): 03 5823 3200 Nexus Community Health (Seymour/Broadford): 03 5784 5555