Everyone deserves to be safe, equal and respected. And we know disrespectful attitudes are a driver of men’s violence against women.
This 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, we're encouraging our community to be active bystanders and providing the resources you need to call out disrespect.
We are encouraging our community to call out disrespect when they see it in their everyday lives and online.
Active bystanders have a powerful role in helping to change attitudes and behaviours that allow to occur disrespect, harassment and violence towards women.
How the campaign started
16 Days of Activism runs each year, beginning on UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 25 November until World Human Rights Day 10 December.
25 November is especially significant as it serves as a reminder of the legacy of The Mirabal sisters, three young women who risked their lives to fight for peace in their country, the Dominican Republic.
On 25 November 1960, sisters Patria, Minerva and Maria Teresa Mirabal, three political activists who actively opposed the cruelty and systematic violence of the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic, were clubbed to death and dumped at the bottom of a cliff by Trujillo’s secret police.
The Mirabal sisters became symbols of the feminist resistance, and in commemoration of their deaths. In 1980, the 25th of November was declared International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in Latin America. This international day was formally recognised by the United Nations in 1999.
Suggested Reading from Respect Victoria
We all face unfair assumptions and treatment based on gender. Ideas and beliefs about gender limit us, drive this harm, and can lead to violence against women. What we read can help us challenge our attitudes and create a future where we are all safe, equal and respected.
Respect Victoria has put together a suggested reading list of books for people of all ages. The list includes books for young readers as well as adult fiction and non-fiction.
You can see the full list via the further reading link below.
Always remember that our Port Phillip Libraries are happy to purchase books based on your suggestions and we have many of these books in our collection.
#16DAYS4KIDS | Colouring Your Conversation
#16DAYS4KIDS is the 2023 campaign created by WHISE, in collaboration with the Promoting Respect and Equity Together (PRET) Regional Partnership.
Teaching children about respect and gender equality is crucial for their personal and social development. It equips them with essential life skills, fosters positive relationships, and contributes to a more compassionate and harmonious society.
WHISE and artist Nea Valdivia have designed a range of colouring in sheets for younger kids which create an opportunity to talk to children about the campaign.
By doing these activities, we create an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with children about these topics. You can download these via the link below and we will have copies of these sheets available in our libraries for everyone to collect.
Help and Support
If you are worried about someone, or need to seek help yourself, please contact one of the support services below.
In an emergency or if you are or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 000 for Police and/or Ambulance assistance.
The following crisis and counselling services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- 1800RESPECT – Call 1800 737 732 or visit website
- Kids Helpline Call 1800 55 1800 or visit website
- MensLine Australia Call 1300 78 99 78 or visit website
- Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre Call 1800 015 188 or visit website
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City of Port Phillip (CoPP)Address: 99a Carlisle Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182