Kingston Council is again putting equality and respect in the spotlight as part of the global 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence.
Actively supporting this vital campaign complements Council’s vision for a safe, respectful, and supportive community that is free from all forms of inequality and violence.
Kingston Mayor Jenna Davey-Burns said gender-based violence remains a completely unacceptable scourge on our society and it must stop now.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected, but deplorably gender-based violence is still perpetrated against women and girls at overwhelming and disproportionate rates, including in the home,” Cr Davey-Burns said.
“The stark reality is that 64 women have died due to violence already this year and we must all urgently stand up and be part of the solution.
“I’m absolutely passionate about creating a future that is free from all forms of violence and our Council is very proud to be supporting the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign through ongoing advocacy and taking practical steps to make a real and lasting difference.”
The Chair of Respect Victoria Dr Kate Fitz-Gibbon said the 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity for every single Victorian to say: enough is enough. Violence against women is preventable, and this 16 Days of Activism and beyond, we have an opportunity to change the story.
“Violence against women is driven by gender inequality and harmful stereotypes about gender. It often starts with sexism and discrimination against women and girls in everyday life – in the community, at work and at home,” Dr Fitz-Gibbon said.
Activities for the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence include:
- The community is invited to attend a free, family-friendly event held in partnership with Kingston City Rollers called Roll for Respect. There will be activities for all ages including live music, a Roller Derby exhibition match with half time entertainment by The Flash Mob Society Hip Hop Crew, guest speakers, free food and refreshments, market stalls and more. The event is 2.00pm – 5.00pm on Saturday 2 December at Springers Leisure Centre.
- The clock tower at the Kingston Arts Centre in Moorabbin will be lit up in orange.
- For the kids, story times and colouring in promoting equity and respect will be held across Kingston Libraries, featuring books that highlight the importance of equality and inclusion.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. To find out more about what is happening in Kingston visit kingston.vic.gov.au/services/health-and-support/prevention-of-family-violence.
