The Andrews Labor Government will launch Victoria’s first ever Gender Equality Strategy as part of this year’s Victoria Against Violence – 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Victoria Against Violence is part of the United Nations led international campaign, Unite to End Violence Against Women: 16 Days of Activism.
Thanks to international time zones, Victoria will be one of the first jurisdictions in the world launching this official UN campaign.
Following the success of the inaugural campaign last year, Victoria Against Violence will run from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November to International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
The high-profile campaign invites Victorians to stand together to stamp out family violence, and the Labor Government has provided $175,000 to support community events and activities across the state.
As part of work to develop the Gender Equality Strategy, Minister for Women and Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson undertook months of public consultation with individuals, community groups and large organisations right across the state.
The strategy will drive real change for women across all sectors of society, and address the fundamental link between gender inequality and violence against women.
Victorians will be urged to ‘Take Action, Go Orange’ across Victoria Against Violence’s 16 day campaign.
Community groups, workplaces, shops, neighbourhoods, students and families are urged to embrace the colour orange – designated by the UN to represent a future free from violence against women and girls.
Ribbons, balloons, posters, flags and banners will be available to foster public conversations and show support for those affected by family violence.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Fiona Richardson
“Treating women with respect and ending family violence is everyone’s responsibility – and the Andrews Labor Government is leading the way.”
“Our Gender Equality Strategy will set out a clear vision for real change in Victoria, ensuring women from all walks of life and across all industries get the support they need to remove barriers once and for all.”
“I’d urge people right across the state to get behind Victoria Against Violence – across these 16 days, we need as many voices as possible to say the violence has to stop.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020