![\"\"](\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/Untitled-design-5-3-1024x538.png\")
Drummers get the crowd motivated at Cosy Corner. Photo: JAMES TAYLOR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
In Geelong, at least 1,000 people marched from Geelong Trades Hall to the Little Malop Street Mall for speeches, including from Geelong Labor MP Christine Couzens, and then to the office of Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson.<\/p>\n
Senator Henderson was not in her office, however, but was one of a small number of Coalition MPs to listen to the speeches at Australia\u2019s biggest March 4 Justice rally outside Parliament House in Canberra.<\/p>\n
Corio Labor federal member Richard Marles and Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker also attended the Canberra rally, as did Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese.<\/p>\n March 4 Justice is calling on the federal government to take four immediate actions:<\/p>\n In a statement, Women\u2019s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West said the past month had been \u201ca distressing time\u201d for women.<\/p>\n \u201cThe brave disclosure by Brittany Higgins of her alleged rape within Parliament House, followed by several further disclosures of gendered violence, has rocked confidence in the safety of the Australian Parliament and its ability to make laws in the best interests of women, particularly survivors of violence,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n \u201cThese events are not isolated incidents. Over the last decade, there have been too many examples of the Australian Parliament falling short of expectations in the community, with high profile incidents of sexual harassment, gender-based bullying and a toxic culture working against the election, participation and advancement of women.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough is enough. Today\u2019s March4Justice brings tens of thousands of women together right across Australia calling for change. Women\u2019s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West stand with these women. As the regional leader in advancing gender equality and the prevention of violence against women before it occurs – we call for an end to the silence and an end to the violence.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" HUNDREDS of women took to the streets and raised their voices in Torquay and Geelong on Monday this week as part of the national March 4 Justice rallies. The black-clad movement is calling on all politicians to address and put an end to the issues of sexism, misogyny, dangerous workplace cultures and lack of equality […]<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/surfcoasttimes\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/03\/Untitled-design-6-3-1024x538.png\")
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