Stories, solutions shared across 16 Days

THE United Nations’ Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence concluded last weekend and was acknowledged across Ballarat.

A lunch and presentation at Barkly Square was one of the last local events of the campaign, exploring the global theme of ‘respect women, call it out.’

Speakers included paediatric nurse, midwife, and Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council chair Joy Juma, Ange Elson CEO of not-for-profit Tiny Pride, and Women’s Health Grampians diversity lead Kate Diamond-Keith.

Ms Juma said the just-over two weeks has encouraged women to be honest, share experiences, seek solutions, and work together.

“Women are more confident to share their stories if they know they can share them in a safe space, so the activism days highlight violence, what’s not good, and get people thinking about what they can do now,” she said.

“In a safe space, it encourages them to ask, how can I act, how can I respond in a positive way, and seek help?

“They realise they’re not alone, they can get help, and there’s no shame in talking about it, but there’s also that resolve, to be a part of change, and get involved.”

Tiny Pride works with small and medium organisations, aiming to make them safer and more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ people.

Ms Elson said the 16 Days are important for all women, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Some of whom are queer, trans, lesbians, and others that have relationships with men; the main perpetrators of violence against women,” she said.

“It’s been important to be involved because… when things are terrible for heterosexual women, they’re even worse for us, and the data supports that. In intimate partner violence for example, the rates are high, but even higher for bisexual women.

“That’s a global phenomenon, so we’re really pleased that queer voices are being included in this year’s 16 Days of Activism, because we can showcase what we do.

“A number of my queer community members and friends have been part of the 16 Days of Activism for the first time. There’s an appetite for change, building an understanding, and contextualising our experiences in an intersectional way.”

The 16 Days began on Friday, 25 November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

A panel discussion hosted by the City at the Robert Clark Centre on the International Day amplified female voices from the Hawthorn Football Club, the Indigenous community, A Pot of Courage, Cafs, as well as WHG, and Tiny Pride.

On the same evening, the Zonta Club of Ballarat’s Twilight Walk was held, and the town hall clock and the lake fountain were lit up.

The Barkly Square event was delivered by the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House in partnership with Women’s Health Grampians and A Pot of Courage Cafe.