Today – Friday 25 November – is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It also marks the beginning of the 16 Days in WA campaign.
The theme for this year’s 16 Days in WA campaign is ‘Ending violence against women – It’s everybody’s business’. It is a clear call for everyone to play a role in ending the violence that exists in our homes, our workplaces and our communities.
It is well established that women bear the brunt of violent behaviour in our community. The violence takes many forms – physical, verbal, financial, psychological – but it has a common origin in lack of respect for women.
“Not only is violence against women rooted in harmful stereotypes around gender inequality, it is also a driver of gender inequality – it robs women of personal safety, employment opportunities, stable housing, financial security and so much more,” says HOPE CEO Merinda March.
“We need meaningful and lasting societal change, and that will only come when everybody plays their part in calling out disrespectful behaviour whenever they see it.
“Taking part in the 16 Days In WA campaign is an opportunity to show your support for ending violence against women.”
There are many ways to take part in the campaign, but one of the easiest and most visible ways to show your support is to wear orange.
Orange is the designated colour for the International Day, and the wider campaign. It was originally chosen by the United Nations as an “optimistic” colour representing a bright future, free from violence.
For the next 16 days, HOPE team members across the State will be wearing orange and taking part in a range of activities that demonstrate our dedication to raising awareness of, and finding solutions to, violence against women.
If you are looking for ideas on how to show your support, visit 16 Days in WA.