Women's Rights
Fighting for Freedom
Written by Acacia Soares - Content Writer at Strength to Strength Mental & Physical Healthcare
Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of male violence and femicide.
* FREE ACTIVISM EVENTS LISTED BELOW
A spike in murdered women and girls calls for immediate action by participating in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
85 Australian women were killed by male violence in 2024.
UN Women define femicide/feminicide as ‘gender-related killings’.
“Femicide is the ultimate proof that the systems and structures meant to protect women and girls are failing,” they said.
“Femicide may be driven by stereotyped gender roles, discrimination towards women and girls, unequal power relations between women and men, or harmful social norms.
“It is a universal problem, and the most brutal, visible, and extreme manifestation of the continuum of gender-based violence that women and girls endure.”
The international organisation reported that one in three women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence.
In 2022, around 48,800 women and girls were killed by their intimate partners or other family members. Current and former intimate partners account for an average of 55 per cent of all intimate partner and family-related killings.
According to the Australian Femicide Watch and The RED HEART Campaign, 85 Australian women were killed by male violence in 2024.
The annual United Nations (UN) campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, calls on individuals, organisations and governments to take action for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
The campaign begins on the 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and continues until the 10 December, Human Rights Day.
The campaign was sparked by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and is supported by the campaign UNiTE, launched in 2008 by the UN Secretary-General and managed by UN Women.
The organisation Respect Victoria outlined the different forms of violence against women in their 2024 16 Days of Activism Toolkit as listed below:
Physical violence and murder
Intimate partner violence
Sexual violence
Sexual harassment
Sexual objectification and fetishisation
Dowry-related abuse, sexual and reproductive coercion, forced marriage
Coercive control, including financial abuse, technological abuse
Violence that occurs in institutional settings
Sex trafficking and other slavery-like practices, female genital mutilation/cutting
91 per cent of trafficking victims for sexual exploitation are female.
The Coalition Against Trafficking In Women website identifies sex trafficking and sexual exploitation as clear forms of gender-based violence and discrimination.
“Living free from violence and discrimination is a fundamental human right,” they wrote.
“Sex traffickers prey on the most vulnerable and marginalised among us: women and girls who are young, mostly of colour, poor, homeless, of low socio-economic class or caste, who have already suffered sexual abuse and violence, often at a young age, and who lack choices in life.
“Most are exploited within the sex trade, particularly in prostitution.
“There they suffer violence, both physical and psychological, at the hands of their exploiters — traffickers, pimps, brothel owners, and the men who buy them.”
The 2022 UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons reported that 91 per cent of victims trafficked for sexual exploitation are female and experience physical or extreme violence three times higher than males victims.
Seven ways you can help protect the safety of women and girls:
Raise Awareness: Use your voice and social media platforms to raise awareness on issues of gender-based violence using #16Days.
Build Community Support Networks: Engage with local communities through exercise or social groups, connect with others and check in if you suspect someone is experiencing forms of violence and is in need of support.
Support Survivors: Listen to survivor's stories with empathy and respect. Donate or volunteer at survivor and women’s organisations, shelters or other support networks.
Attend Events: Participate in workshops, webinars or protests organised by advocacy groups and organisations fighting to end male violence.
Educate Yourself: Learn more about the impact of gender-based violence and prevention strategies to protect women and girls.
Advocate for Change: Advocate for policies and legislation that protect survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and eliminate discrimination.
Wear Orange: Wear the colour orange as a symbol of your support and solidarity towards the campaign's cause for ending violence.
FREE Upcoming Activism Events:
Friday 22 November - ‘Step Out Speak Out’ walk to take steps to say no to domestic violence: Begins at 7:30 AM at High Cross Park, Randwick and finishes at Grant Reserve, South Coogee for speeches and a BBQ breakfast.
Monday, 25 November - ‘What is gender-based violence?’ information session on domestic, family, sexual and gender-based violence (GBV), coercive control and practical tips and tools for people who want to take action: Hosted at Marrickville Pavilion from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Tuesday 26 November - ‘Unite Against Violence: No More Empty Shoes’ vigil to honour the women and children murdered in domestic violence homicides over the past year and to demand immediate change: Gather at Martin Place from 12 PM to 1 PM.
Wednesday 27 November - ‘United in Prevention – Investing in First Line Responders to FDSV’ webinar on how disclosures are made, whether organisations feel prepared to respond effectively, and what resources they need to improve their responses: Zoom from 11 AM to 12:30 PM.
Monday 2 December - ‘Together for Change | Community Afternoon’ self-confidence workshop with a range of activities, food, information stalls and donation drives on the day: Held at The SECC Hub in Mascot from 4 PM to 6 PM.
If you or someone you know is experiencing or at risk of violence or in need of crisis support, please contact:
National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service, 24-hour helpline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
Kids Help Line - 1800 55 1800
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.