Calling out gender-based violence in Ballarat

The City of Ballarat will host a panel event to discuss how community members and organisations can take steps to eliminate gender-based violence in Ballarat.  

The free panel event will be held on Friday 25 November  — the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It marks the start of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign dedicated to ending gender-based violence. 
 
The City of Ballarat supports the 16-day campaign, which runs from Friday 25 November to Saturday 10 December — International Human Rights Day. The campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness about the key role gender inequality plays in driving gender-based violence and calling for action to prevent it.   

Gender inequality involves devaluing or disrespecting people or their contributions based on their gender. Research has consistently found that these forms of disrespect increase the likelihood of violence against women. 
 
This year’s campaign theme is 'Respect Women: Call It Out', which will also be the theme of the panel event. Panellists Rose Durey of Women’s Health Grampians, Shiree Pilkinton of A Pot of Courage, Kaitlyn Ashmore of Hawthorn Football Club, Ange Elson of Tiny Pride and Gunditjmara woman Sissy Austin will discuss the theme in the context of Ballarat. Child and Family Services (CAFS) Diversity Lead Liz Hardiman will perform the role of MC.  
 
City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor, Cr Amy Johnson, said gender-based violence is recognised as one of the most persistent and devastating human rights violations of our time.  
 
“Safe, healthy and respectful communities are created when we embrace diversity and reject discrimination,” she said.  
 
“How you choose to respond to sexism matters — by promoting respect and equality, you can shift attitudes and behaviours that drive violence against women.”  
 
Other Ballarat events in this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence include:  

• The Zonta Club of Ballarat twilight walk around Lake Wendouree on Friday 25 November, gathering at 5.30pm at View Point for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. 
   
• The Town Hall Clock and fountain will be lit up on Friday 25 November to mark the beginning of the campaign.  
   

The panel event will be held on Friday 25 November 2022, 3–5pm at the Robert Clark Horticultural Centre, Gillies Street North, Lake Wendouree, VIC 3350. For more information or to reserve your spot, visit the Eventbrite page.