16 Days of Activism
What are the 16 Days of Activism, and why is it important?
Violence against women remains one of the world's most widespread human rights violations. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, held annually from 25 November to 10 December, brings communities together to raise awareness, challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours, and take action towards a future free from 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
Here are the ways that Indigo Shire are putting their support behind the campaign this year:
The Walk Against Violence and Community Vigil in Wodonga
Date: Wednesday, 25 November 2026, 8am – 2pm
Location: Woodland Grove, Wodonga (along High Street)
Hosted in collaboration with Wodonga TAFE and Junction Support Services and Indigo Shire Council.
Purpose: Community members unite to give a voice to victim-survivors and raise awareness about family and domestic violence.
Special Storytime Sessions
In partnership with Upper Murray Family Care (UMFC), our libraries will host special Storytime sessions as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. Through stories, songs and creative activities, children and families will explore themes of kindness, respect and inclusion, helping to build the foundations for safe and respectful relationships from an early age. Bookings are not required, all are welcome!
- Rutherglen – Wednesday 25 November at 10am
- Yackandandah – Thursday 26 November at 9.30am
- Chiltern – Friday 27 November at 10am
- Beechworth – Monday 30 November at 10am
- Tangambalanga – Tuesday 1 December at 10am
To support these conversations beyond storytime, our libraries have added a selection of books that promote kindness, respect and positive relationships to their collections. Libraries have also purchased copies of the book Elmer the Patchwork Elephant by David McKee, a much-loved story celebrating individuality, inclusion and belonging.
Showing support in orange
Orange is the colour of the 16 Days of Activism campaign and is recognised around the world as a symbol of hope, safety and a future free from violence against women and girls.
Throughout the campaign, the Beechworth Historic Precinct will be lit in orange, while Councillors will wear orange during the Council Meeting on Tuesday 24 November to show solidarity with victim-survivors and support community action to prevent gender-based violence.
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 Story times 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?
Recent figures from the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria show that family violence incidents in the Indigo Shire reached their highest levels in over five years, surging 42.8% from 152 to 217 recorded incidents. While historically sitting well below the state average, the shire's rate has steadily edged closer to the Victorian average.
- 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