Mildura Rural City Council is proudly partnering with local agencies and groups to support the global 16 Days of Activism initiative.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign led annually by UN Women. It runs every year from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day), and sees communities join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.
In 2023, Respect Victoria and Safe and Equal are working together to support local community engagement with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Council has been funded under Respect Victoria's 16 Days of Activism grassroots initiative to deliver several local events, workshops and initiatives all designed to help the community take action and support the campaign.
Councillor for Community Development and Gender Equity Helen Healy encouraged the community to take part in the global initiative.
"Through the support of Respect Victoria and Safe and Equal, Council is proud to offer several workshops, talks, forums and other activities to mark this year's 16 Days of Activism," Cr Healy said.
"Family violence and violence against women continues to negatively affect many in our community, with our region's average rate of family violence crimes among the worst in the state."
Chair of Respect Victoria, Dr Kate Fitz-Gibbon, said the 16 Days of Activism campaign represents an opportunity for residents to say "enough is enough."
"Local councils play a critical role in supporting their communities to take action to prevent violence against women, Dr Fitz-Gibbon said.
"Respect Victoria is proud to work alongside Mildura Rural City Council to help create safe,equal and respectful communities."
Several local events are planned, with full details available by visiting www.mildura.vic.gov.au/16Days
Lunch and Learn: Take Action Together for Gender Equality and a Safer Mallee
Wednesday 29 November (online via Zoom)
12.30pm to 1.30pmRegister at https://events.humanitix.com/gender-equality before 28 November 2023
This FREE one-hour Lunch and Learn webinar will empower you and your organisation with knowledge and simple actions that will help create gender equality and prevent violence against women and children in our lives and in our communities.
The session will be facilitated by Shannon Harmer - a dynamic and experienced facilitator who has spent the last 15 years working with organisations, governments, NGOs and humanitarian actors in gender equality and addressing violence against women and girls.
Shannon will stay online afterwards for any questions. Register by Tuesday 28 November 2023.
Art for Social Change
Use creativity to spark change and promote social justice. Artwork will be showcased on "gallery afternoon" on Thursday 7 December from 4pm to 6pm at Homebase Mildura.
The winning design will be featured on T-shirts that will be available for purchase.
Artwork must be submitted for judging by Monday 4 December 2023 to reception at Sunraysia Community Health Services.
From Awareness to Action: How sport can 'Equal the Contest'
Mildura Rural City Council's Awareness to Action forum is back for its second year!
Wednesday 29 November 2023
6pm to 9pm
Wallis Cinema Mildura
Free
Get your tickets at https://events.humanitix.com/equal-the-contest-film-and-presentation
This year's theme is about equalling the contest, and is designed to provide local sporting clubs with ways to create equitable and inclusive sporting environments for women and girls.
It will also be an opportunity to recognise and celebrate local sporting clubs who are partnering with Council to deliver the 'Gendering in a New Era' program.
The forum will be facilitated by Mildura Sporting Precinct Manager James Wilson and begin with a screening of Equal the Contest – a documentary about the Mt Alexander Falcons, an all-inclusive community football team in Castlemaine.
Following the film there will be a forum with the director of the documentary Mitch Nivalis and two cast members, Sam Henty and Herbie.
You will be given the opportunity throughout the night to submit questions to the forum guests.
Riverfront Powerhouse Projection
Each evening on dusk from 25 November to 10 December a video created by Gender Equity Action Sunraysia will be projected on the Powerhouse building at the Mildura Riverfront. The video is designed to raise awareness of the issue to community members and give them actions to make change.
Community Art Banner
Look out for the Equal and Safe banner in high profile locations as you move about the community during the 16 Days of Activism.
The banner is an initiative of Gender Equity Action Sunraysia in partnership with community members and 10 local organisations. It aims to raise awareness of the problem in our community and calls each of us to action.
The artwork was created by local women and girls.
