Victoria University is joining forces with other organisations in the west to promote The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Against Women.
The university is taking part in the international campaign for the first time, from November 25 to December 10, helping to spread the word about gender equality.
Vice-chancellor Peter Dawkins said the campaign ties in with the university’s growing push to promote respect and equality for women and stamp out sexual abuse and family violence.
“When I took a strong stand on this subject I got a lot of positive response,” he said.
“We released a Preventing Violence Against Women Ten Point Plan in 2016 and these things we are doing over the next week are a really good fit.”
Last August, VU appointed Marian Cronin as its respect and responsibility manager, tasking her with the university’s push to improve gender equality.
Ms Cronin said society is seeing a shift and change in the attitudes and behaviours that underpin violence against women, but long-term change will take time.
She said the university will be offering a number of practical sessions as part of the 16 Days of Activism, including women’s financial empowerment seminars.
Other events will include partnering with Women’s Health West for an online 16 Days Challenge, a talk about women’s relationship with the law and a panel on activism.
Professor Dawkins will host a leadership breakfast to focus on the importance of preventing and eliminating gender-based violence and The Men’s Thread exhibition at Whitten Oval will feature a series of needlepoint artworks created by men around the theme of respect.
Further details: www.vu.edu.au and 16daysactivist.whwest.org.au
