16 Days of Activism
What are the 16 days of Activism, and why is it important?
The 16 Days of Activism campaign calls for action against one of the world’s most persistent violations of human rights – violence against women.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a widely recognised global campaign that signifies action towards ending violence against women and girls around the world.
It runs every year from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on 10 December, Human Rights Day.
During the 16 Days of Activism, communities around the world join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.
We proudly join the annual campaign and encourage everyone to work together to prevent violence against women. We recognise that we have a role to play in the prevention of violence.
Through funding provided by Safe + Equal, we have hosted activities to help our community get involved in the campaign and champion positive messages of gender equality, while raising awareness that gender-based violence is unacceptable. 2026 events will be shared here in October.
2025 Events
Walks Against Violence
In collaboration with Beechworth Health Service, Chiltern Neighbourhood House, Quercus Beechworth and Yackandandah Community Centre there were three community walks against violence in Beechworth, Rutherglen and Yackandandah. The walks provided opportunities for the surrounding communities to show their united front against violence towards women and girls.
Four Storytimes were held across the libraries with Sophie Beer's book Your Fabulous As You Are. These sessions were presented by Upper Murray Family Care - Child and Family Services Team in collaboration with Indigo Shire Council.
Left Write Hook - April 2026
Centre Against Violence in partnership with Indigo Shire Council brought the internationally acclaimed Left Write Hook program to Beechworth.
A public screening of the award-winning documentary Left Write Hook were held in Beechworth, giving audiences an intimate and powerful look at the journeys of survivors who took part in the program.
This was followed by a hands-on workshop, specifically designed for victim survivors of family and sexual violence to experience the transformative combination of writing and boxing that is at the heart of the program.
For more information about Left Write Hook visit their website.
More information
Why is it important?
Gender based violence is a prevalent and distressing issue in Australia, and while the statistics are confronting, we know that it is preventable.
Stopping gender-based violence starts with addressing gender equality. We all have a role to play in changing attitudes and creating a more equitable world.
Did you know?
- 1 in 2 women have experienced sexual harassment since the age of 15
- 1 in 4 women have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15
- 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual assault since the age of 15
- 1 in 3 LGBTIQA+ people have experienced violence from a partner, ex-partner, or family member
- 3 in 5 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have experienced physical or sexual violence perpetrated by a male intimate partner.
(Data Sourced: Safe+Equal, 2025)
Useful contacts
If you or someone you know is experiencing gendered violence, support is available.
- In an emergency call Police on 000
- Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188 or safesteps@safesteps.org.au for crisis support, information, and accommodation.
- 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for 24/7 phone counselling and referrals
- Orange Door on 1800 354 322
- The Rainbow Door on 1800 729 367, a free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline that supports individuals and families of all ages and identities.
- InTouch 1800 755 988 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm for support for migrant and refugee women and their communities.
- Djirra on 1800 105 303 for emotional, cultural and practical support for Aboriginal women and their children who are dealing with family violence or have experienced it in the past and are still not safe.
Ways to learn more