Safe and Equal supports 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign

The Respect Women: Call it Out (Respect Is) campaign will run from 25 November to 10 December to coincide with the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. This year’s campaign encourages all Victorians to consider what respect means to them, to call out sexism and challenge harmful gender stereotypes. 

To support the delivery of the 16 Days of Activism initiative, Respect Victoria has funded Safe and Equal to connect and build the capacity of local communities across the state to engage with the campaign and take action against gender inequality. 

Over 100 small grants have been distributed by Safe and Equal to community organisations and local councils across Victoria to develop and promote local prevention initiatives. Projects funded include: 

• “Signal Respect”, a youth art program facilitated by Warrnambool City Council and Brophy Family and Youth Services which will explore gender equality and social constructs through fashion and generate a public and online visual arts campaign for the local community 
• A series of webinars run by the African Women and Families Network designed to build capacity and awareness of respectful relationships for men, women, families and young people from diverse backgrounds 
• A social media and print media advocacy campaign from Women’s Health Goulburn North East, exploring how communities can come together to understand the gendered dimensions of natural disasters and how women and children can stay safe during disaster events 

“We know prevention is critical to achieving long-term attitudinal, cultural, systemic and behaviour change when it comes to family violence and violence against women,” said Safe and Equal CEO Tania Farha. 

“Engaging Victorian communities to participate in challenging and calling out gender inequality brings us one step closer to a world free from violence, where all women can live and work free from violence and harassment, regardless of their identity, ability, race and status.” 

This year’s campaign is supported by a cross-sector partnership including members of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), No to Violence (NTV), the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS), and the Women’s Health Services Council. 

“We’re pleased to be working alongside Respect Victoria and partners across the local government, women’s health, social services and perpetrator intervention sectors to support specialist family violence services, local councils, and other community organisations in this grassroots campaign,” said Ms Farha. 

“Respect Victoria is proud to work alongside Safe and Equal to support organisations and individuals across the state to call out gender inequality and move towards a future where we are all safe, respected and supported,” said Respect Victoria Acting CEO Amy Prendergast. 

“Gender-based violence is preventable, and we can all play a role in calling out sexism and disrespect when we see it or hear it.” 

Access the 2021 campaign resources here.