THE United Nations\u2019 Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence concluded last weekend and was acknowledged across Ballarat.<\/p>\n
A lunch and presentation at Barkly Square was one of the last local events of the campaign, exploring the global theme of \u2018respect women, call it out.\u2019<\/p>\n
Speakers included paediatric nurse, midwife, and Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council chair Joy Juma, Ange Elson CEO of not-for-profit Tiny Pride, and Women\u2019s Health Grampians diversity lead Kate Diamond-Keith.<\/p>\n
Ms Juma said the just-over two weeks has encouraged women to be honest, share experiences, seek solutions, and work together.<\/p>\n
\u201cWomen 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\u2019s not good, and get people thinking about what they can do now,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn a safe space, it encourages them to ask, how can I act, how can I respond in a positive way, and seek help?<\/p>\n
\u201cThey realise they\u2019re not alone, they can get help, and there\u2019s no shame in talking about it, but there\u2019s also that resolve, to be a part of change, and get involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tiny Pride works with small and medium organisations, aiming to make them safer and more inclusive for LGBTQIA+ people.<\/p>\n
Ms Elson said the 16 Days are important for all women, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of whom are queer, trans, lesbians, and others that have relationships with men; the main perpetrators of violence against women,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been important to be involved because… when things are terrible for heterosexual women, they\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a global phenomenon, so we\u2019re really pleased that queer voices are being included in this year\u2019s 16 Days of Activism, because we can showcase what we do.<\/p>\n
\u201cA number of my queer community members and friends have been part of the 16 Days of Activism for the first time. There\u2019s an appetite for change, building an understanding, and contextualising our experiences in an intersectional way.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 16 Days began on Friday, 25 November – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On the same evening, the Zonta Club of Ballarat\u2019s Twilight Walk was held, and the town hall clock and the lake fountain were lit up.<\/p>\n
The Barkly Square event was delivered by the Ballarat East Neighbourhood House in partnership with Women\u2019s Health Grampians and A Pot of Courage Cafe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE United Nations\u2019 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 \u2018respect women, call it out.\u2019 Speakers included paediatric nurse, midwife, and Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council […]<\/p>\n