As our communities ease back into a post-lockdown life, YPRL is once again proud to support the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign in 2021.
This global initiative aims to galvanise individuals, communities and organisations to address gender inequalities and eradicate domestic violence around the world.
The campaign begins each year on 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) and concludes on 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
With such a heavy topic, you’d think that all the events running would be a bit of a downer, right? WRONG! Raising awareness and education doesn’t have to be a gloomy affair.
Eltham Town Square is holding Storytimes focused on kindness and equality, there are book chats discussing gender stereotypes in fiction, a Youth Art Showcase, community walks, and a community art display you can participate in to drive home the message of the campaign.
With all these events happening in-branch and online it will be tough to find something that doesn’t pique your interest, and with belief in rigid gender stereotypes being a massive contribution to violence, sexual assault and mental illness, there’s no better time to get involved and get the message out in the community.
Events being run by the City of Whittlesea
Walk Against Family Violence
Community members are invited to join in to make the symbolic gesture of walking towards a future where all people are safe, equal and respected, free from all forms of family violence and gender-based violence.
Three routes have been developed — in Mernda, Epping/Lalor, and Thomastown — and you are encouraged to get your friends and family to participate and show support.
The walk took place nationally on 25 November, however, you can participate in the walk anytime between 25 November and 10 December.
Youth Art Showcase
Young people aged 13 to 25 years are invited to submit any piece of art interpreting the themes of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and what this means to you. Entries close on Monday 29 November.
Read a book or watch a movie, and challenge the portrayal of gender
Watch Change The Story, a short eight-minute clip that provides insights into how gender inequality leads to gender-based violence against women. This video is available in multiple languages.
Find content that promotes gender equality and respect or challenges gender stereotypes. Are there any old movies you remember watching that portrayed negative gender stereotypes? Try watching it again and challenge yourself to look at it in a new light.
Your local library has lots of information and books available to borrow on the topic - check out our booklist below! You can also find free movie content on SBS and ABC television.
To find out more about the City of Whittlesea events, please visit their website. And, check out our Events page for sessions YPRL is running during the campaign.
Events being run by the Nillumbik Shire Council
Storytime in the Eltham Town Square
Friday 3 December 10.30am - 11.00am
AND
Friday 10 December 10.30 am - 11.00am
Join Roslyn from Eltham Library for a special storytime in the town square for the '16 Days Against Gender Based Violence' campaign. Roslyn will read and rhyme her way through some of her favourite books that celebrate the disability and deaf communities.
Bring a rug to sit on or borrow one of ours and join in the fun.
No bookings required.
The Ugly Truth Behind Beuty - MissRepresentation movie screening
Wednesday 8 December 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Eltham Community Reception Centre, 801 Main Road Eltham
Have you ever thought about how media and advertising is selling the idea that girls and women’s value lies in their youth and how they look and behave?
Join us for a FREE screening of MissRepresentation, the award-winning documentary that explores how mainstream media contributes to the under-representation of women in leadership positions. Followed by a thought-provoking discussions around how limiting gender stereotypes impacts us all.
We want a world where women and girls are confident and feel empowered. It starts with us - by having a conversation.
Registrations are essential via Eventbrite.
'Call it Out' Bookchat
Friday 10 December 2.30pm - 3.030pm
Join us for an online chat on Microsoft Teams about some of the resources we have to start the conversation about gender based violence and stereotypes and support those who need it.
We will share accessible resources for children, young people and adults that address these issues and help build respectful relationships for all.
You can register here.
16 Days of Activism grants
Nillumbik Shire Council has provided small grants of up to $500 for community-led projects during the 2021 campaign.
The successful applicants are:
- Early Years Services - Meruka Childcare Co-operative, Research Preschool and Kangaroo Ground Preschool - who are providing activities challenging gender stereotypes.
- Schools - Christmas Hills Primary School, St Andrews Primary School, Sacred Heart Primary School and Our Lady of Help Christians School - for projects focussing on emotional literacy.
- Aligned Leisure - for the promotion of the campaign at Nillumbik's Leisure Centres.
- Green Karma - a local business who is holding a free screening of the documentary MissRepresentation.