IN 2020, the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is again supporting Respect Victoria to deliver its Respect Women: ‘Call It Out’ campaign from Wednesday, November 25 to Thursday, December 10 to coincide with the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
This year’s 16 Days’ initiative will benefit from the involvement of all 79 Victorian councils, including the Greater Shepparton City Council, as well as 18 specialist non-government organisations (NGOs).
The Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria (DVRCV) and Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) are also partnering with the MAV to provide their expertise and reach through their networks.
The campaign this year aims to support people to understand what respect looks like, why respect is important and how we put respect into practice in our everyday lives.
Cr Josh Gilligan, interim President of the MAV, said, “We know that men’s violence against women is more likely to occur in an environment where women are disrespected, undervalued and discriminated against. We are encouraging people to ‘call it out’ when they witness disrespect towards women and when it is safe to do so.”
Tania Farha, chief executive officer of DV Vic/DVRCV, said, “It is heartening that during a pandemic, Victorian councils and community organisations are galvanised to promote gender equality and respect, and are taking a stand to end family violence and violence against women. The strength of this initiative is that many councils and community organisations are working in partnership with other councils, women’s health services, victim survivors, specialist family violence organisations, libraries and local businesses as part of a locally coordinated approach to the 16 Days campaign.”
Victorian councils and NGOs are implementing a great mix of activities and events to engage their communities in conversations about ‘respect’ during the 16 Days, including webinars and expert panel discussions, multilingual social media campaigns, public art competitions, online storytelling, bystander action training, videos of local leaders talking about ‘respect’, installing giant signs and lighting up buildings in orange.
Access the 2020 campaign resources at www.mav.asn.au/16dayscampaign
