City of Ballarat joins efforts to end gender-based violence 

The City of Ballarat supports the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, a global campaign dedicated to ending gender-based violence. 

The 16-day campaign runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). 

It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the key role gender inequality plays in driving violence against women and calling for action to prevent it.  

The City of Ballarat is a member of CoRE (Communities of Respect and Equality Alliance), which is partnering with other community organisations, including Women’s Health Grampians and the ZONTA Club of Ballarat, to hold several events over the 16-day campaign. 

These include: 

• The Zonta Club of Ballarat twilight walk around Lake Wendouree on Thursday 25 November, gathering at 5.30pm at View Point for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. 
• An online Community of Practice, where discussions will include the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the new CoRE Friends Network and the Gender Equality Act indicators and best practice. It will be held on 30 November between 10am and 11.30am. Guest speaker will also include employment and integrity lawyer Elizabeth Lacey, who will discuss recent sexual harassment legislation changes. You can register at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrce-qqzgiGdKu9pCtpAW-F3ZqcjzVukoq.
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• Active Bystander Training, which is an interactive 90-minute program designed to provide tips and techniques for how to challenge sexism, discrimination and harassment. It will be held on 7 December between 10am and 11.30am. You can register at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpd-yopz0pGdEonrgqz7zLY1s5r54JOYEI. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said it was important to raise awareness of gender-based violence, and how to prevent it. 

“I think it’s vital the City of Ballarat is a member of the Communities of Respect and Equality Alliance to demonstrate to our residents that we are an organisation committed to addressing gender-based violence,” Cr Moloney said. 

“According to the latest estimates, nearly one in three women aged 15 years and older, around the world have been subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, non-partner or both, at least once in their lifetime. 

“These statistics highlight that it’s so important we all become active bystanders and call out disrespect, sexism and violence against women whenever we see it.”