Council is offering $500 grants for community projects to shine a spotlight on this year’s global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign.
This global campaign aims to raise awareness and galvanise individuals, communities and organisations to address gender inequalities and call out harmful gender stereotypes in order to prevent violence and create a safer and more equal society.
The campaign, now in its 31st year, begins each year on 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), and concludes on 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
Mayor Ben Ramcharan said Council, as a proud supporter of the campaign, was committed to preventing violence against women and family violence, and to promoting gender equality.
“With gender-based violence still an alarming reality, everyone has a role to play,” Cr Ramcharan said.
“It’s our collective responsibility to build a safer, more equitable world for everyone, including for those in Nillumbik. In 2021-22 there were 454 family violence incidents in our Shire, and intimate partner violence remains the greatest health risk factor for women aged 25-44.”
Last year, Council produced a series of videos on gender inequality as part of a recommendation from young people at the 2022 Nillumbik Youth Summit.
“We urge you to watch these videos as local young people open up about their experiences,” Cr Ramcharan said.
The grant funding can support – among a range of activities – community programs, events, public space activation – to create unique, dynamic and inclusive local places, virtual events, arts and cultural initiatives.
In previous years, grants have supported a documentary screening, library activities, leisure facilities going orange, and resources for schools and early years’ services that challenge gender and other stereotypes and promote respectful relationships.
Grant applications are now open until Sunday 10 September 2023.
To watch the videos, find out more and apply for a grant, visit nillumbik.vic.gov.au/16-Days
