Respect is growing in Mitchell Shire

Mitchell Shire Council is once again standing united alongside its community for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The 16 Days of Activism begins on November 25, the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Victoria’s 16 Days of Activism coincides with the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The 2021 campaign theme, led by Respect Victoria, Domestic Violence Victoria and the Domestic Violence Resource Centre, is ‘Respect Is…’

This is a positive message that aims to support Victorian communities to engage in conversations about ‘respect’ – what respect means to us, what respect looks like and how to put respect into practice, especially in the context of gender equality.

There is no single cause of violence against women. But current international evidence, outlined in Change the Story: a shared framework for the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia, demonstrates that higher levels of violence against women are consistently associated with lower levels of gender equality in both public life and personal relationships.

This year, Council, partner agencies and community groups across the Shire have a range of activities, workshops and opportunities to learn about the gendered drivers of violence, so we can act collectively to make an impact and take a stance.

As a municipality with significantly high family violence rates, Council, as a collective, is making it clear that this is not tolerated or accepted within our community.

From 25 November to 10 December 2021, you can pick up a free packet of native flower seedlings from Council libraries and community centres across the shire.

While planting the seedlings, you’re encouraged to start a conversation about how ‘Respect is growing’ in Mitchell. Your conversation might be about how you will grow respect in your workplace, with family and friends or in our community.

There are many other activities happening during the campaign, so check our website for more details.

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