MELBOURNE NEWS

Community

How to take action during 16 Days of Activism

17 November 2020

Take a stand for equality and help us create a safer, more inclusive community for everyone during the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

This initiative runs every year from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November to Human Rights Day on 10 December.

Each year, we join with people around the world to call for action against one of the world’s most persistent violations of human rights – violence against women.

‘The City of Melbourne is committed to preventing family violence in our community,’ Lord Mayor Sally Capp said.

‘We have a proud record of promoting gender equality and being a child safe organisation. With reports of family violence incidents increasing across the state, it is a reminder that we still have work to do to create a safer society where everyone feels valued and protected.’

Join us for the following events as we raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women.

1. Participate in the Safe Steps Annual Walk Against Family Violence

This year, participants are invited to walk around their neighbourhood on Wednesday 25 November, wearing orange and sharing their walking event with others using the hashtags #WAFV2020 and #WhyWeWalk on social media.

Individuals, community groups and workplaces interested in participating in the walk can register at Safe Steps.

We have purchased 500 orange masks to distribute to those in the municipality who have signed up for the walk. Masks can be collected from the following locations:

  • City Library, 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
  • North Melbourne Outdoor Pool, 1 Macaulay Road, North Melbourne
  • Family Services Carlton Baths, 28 Howard Street, North Melbourne (staff and service users only)
  • Hotham Hub Children’s Centre, 248 Rathdowne St Carlton 3053 (staff and service users only)
  • North Melbourne Children’s Centre, 113 Melrose Street, North Melbourne (staff and service users only)

2. Join an online webinar about masculinity

Join experts for an online webinar and panel discussion on masculinity on Thursday 10 December from 7pm to 8.30pm.

Hear about the risks associated with masculine stereotypes and how fostering healthy conversations about masculinity can create a more respectful and healthy community.

Panellists include Matt Tyler and Paul Zappa from The Men’s Project, children’s book author and illustrator Scott Stuart, Misha Barr from Women’s Health Victoria and Kesh Sharma from hUmen.

Register for the event.

3. Expand your mind with great books

Break down gender stereotypes with our 16 Days of Activism reading list. The inspiring books include fiction, young adult and non-fiction books that challenge traditional gender roles.

4. Become an ally

The Western Region Preventing Violence Together Partnership is calling on men to address gender inequality and prevent violence against women through the 16 Days of Allyship challenge.

Register as an ally to learn how to create a more equal society that values and respects women. Join us and help spread the word with the men in your life.

Individuals interested in participating can register as an ally until Wednesday 25 November.

Further resources

To find out more, visit Gender equality.

Share this story

You may also like
Young and old find their flow in Fawkner Park

Young and old find their flow in Fawkner Park

Meet the four-year-olds and older people who do tai chi together in South Yarra once a month. They’re keeping ageism at bay. Anticipation flutters through a group of tai chi students on a misty Thursday morning in Fawkner Park. All eyes are on the pre-schoolers who...

Celebrating our extraordinary Melburnians

Celebrating our extraordinary Melburnians

Entries are now open for the City of Melbourne's prestigious Melbourne Awards. For more than 20 years, we have celebrated inspirational individuals and organisations who have made a positive and valuable contribution to our city through the Melbourne Awards.Each year,...

Big win for beloved Kensington Neighbourhood House

Big win for beloved Kensington Neighbourhood House

Pop into Kensington Neighbourhood House for a warm welcome and take your pick from more than 99 inclusive events every week. The packed program brings together more than 1000 people from 70 countries each year to connect, learn and create. It relieves social isolation...

Passionate volunteers spread joy in Melbourne

Passionate volunteers spread joy in Melbourne

Celebrate the changemaking volunteers who help make Melbourne tick this National Volunteer Week. Then browse volunteer opportunities to enrich your life with friendship and purpose year-round. Whether you love sharing dining and entertainment tips with city visitors,...

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up with what's happening in the City of Melbourne by subscribing to the Melbourne newsletter.

You have successfully subscribed!