Wednesday November 25 was the International Day for the elimination of violence against women and December 10 is Human Rights Day.
The 16 days that begin and end on these dates are recognised internationally as the ‘16 Days of Activism’ to prevent violence against women. This year’s global theme is ‘UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls’.
In Australia, on average one woman a week is murdered by her current or former intimate partner, and violence is the leading cause of death, disability and illness in women aged 18-44 years.
Statistics prepared by Women’s Heath Victoria show that of the reported sexual offences against women in Macedon Ranges during 2020, the offender was known to the victim in 77 per cent of cases.
On October 17, 2022, the Australian Government, together with state and territory governments, released the National Plan. The vision set out in the 10-year National Plan is to end gender-based violence in one generation. www.dss.gov.au/ending-violence
This year, the Zonta Club of Kyneton continues working with several other community organisations, through the Macedon Ranges 16 Days of Activism Working Group, to raise awareness of gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and encourage community-based support for those living with violence.
For the launch of the 16 days of activism, the Zonta Club participated in the Macedon Ranges Walk Against Family Violence last Friday. Zonta also has a display in the community window in Mollison Street, Kyneton, highlighting the impact of violence against women.
The club will also have a pop up event at the Social Foundry Café in Kyneton on December 3 at 10.30am. Go along and learn more about Zonta and 16 days of Activism to prevent violence against women, while sharing a cuppa and cake with these passionate club members.
If you would like to know more about the Zonta Club of Kyneton and the service and advocacy work it does locally for women and girls,contact secretary@zontakyneton.org.au or through social media.
