by Tania Farha
CEO, Safe and Equal

Twelve months ago, to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence*, we published Nurturing Hope. This collection of stories and reflections from many different people working to end family and gender-based violence was a chance for us to capture and celebrate what hope can look like in the change-making work we do. 

The feedback we received was immensely positive and heartening, both during the 16 Days of Activism and beyond. Many people reached out to us with their own stories of hope and reflections on its significance. Working to end family and gender-based violence can be tough, all-consuming work. We have all watched with dismay this year as the number of women killed continues to tick upwards. Each and every one of these women deserved a long and happy life, and we know that there are more deaths and severe impacts that are not fully reflected in this number, including the impact on children. Victim survivors are at the centre of all our work to ensure that everyone is free of violence and supported to survive and thrive. 

As the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence draws to a close, it’s timely to reflect on our work as part of a growing global campaign to eliminate family and gender-based violence.

The last year has shown us yet again why this campaign is needed. We have seen the recent and harrowing statistic that, worldwide, one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes at the hands of their intimate partner or a family member. But there are also inspiring examples all over the world of people organising together to demand change.

Here in Australia, we have all been devastated to see the number of women and children murdered continue to rise – particularly over the last few weeks. By one count, at least 96 women have been killed this year, and these are only the deaths we know about. The true numbers of not only deaths, but experiences of violence, are likely much higher than we know.

While it has been a deeply sad and challenging time, there are so many reasons to hope and push forward with change.

This year, we have seen the release of the Senate Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children, alongside a landmark inquest into the domestic violence murders of four Aboriginal women in the Northern Territory. We have been inspired by First Nations advocates who continue to challenge the silence and inaction that surrounds this violence and fight for self-determined solutions.

We have seen rallies across the country, a rise in public conversation, and national funding announcements to address the deaths of women being reported in Australia.

Importantly, we have been buoyed by the determination and the tireless work of all the advocates and practitioners across the state and the country. This work to create a better future for all people experiencing family and gender-based violence forms the backbone of our Hope in Action campaign for the 16 Days of Activism.

The three stories featured in the campaign give us a glimpse into our sector, and the ways we are creating meaningful change. We hope that these stories serve as a way for us all to celebrate all our work, and nourish hope.

As we look beyond the 16 Days of Activism, Safe and Equal will continue to work with our members, stakeholders and partners to advocate for what we need to eliminate family and gender-based violence.

Hope in Action is one way we can hold a focus on valuing and supporting each other while we do this – because that’s how hope stays alive.

Safe and Equal wishes to thank Starlady, Feifei Liao and Tess Stewart-Moore for their generous contributions to our Hope in Action campaign.