March continues call for justice

FOR a second year, women and allies took to Rosalind Park for Bendigo’s March4Justice, calling for action against gendered violence and sexual assault.

Organiser Kate Wright said although last year’s march was bigger, she was happy with the support this time around, with about 150 people gathering last Sunday.

“For a grassroots event organised in one week it’s been fabulous and really shows this is a live issue for women, and to see so many allies in men and young boys here today has been fabulous too,” she said.

Last year’s event was organised by the Loddon consortium of women’s services with about six weeks’ notice, while this year’s was dependent on the recent easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

The 2021 march saw over 100,000 people rally nationally after reports of sexual assault in Federal Parliament.

Ms Wright said over the last 12 months more women feel comfortable speaking out about gendered issues, spurred on by the efforts of high-profile women such as 2021 Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, however little change has occurred on a policy level.

She said the Australian Government is yet to fully implement the 55 recommendations of the Respect@Work report from the Australian Humans Rights Commission.

The national March4Justice movement has four key demands, including for all women to be safe in Australia with a priority for First Nation’s women, for women to be safe at home and work, an end to gendered violence and criminal justice reform.

Ms Wright said she expects women and allies to take their demands to the ballot box, with Federal and State elections this year.

“I’m really hoping with the national March 4 Justice movement and with women’s services, the advocacy will continue online and in real life,” she said.

“I know petitions are being prepared, advocacy documents are being circulated, and I want the community to join in and say they want to see change in their individual and community life.”