Yarra Ranges Council staff proudly marched with community members and government representatives at the Walk Against Family Violence 2024.
Staff members marched in the city on Friday 22 November, advocating for a Victorian community where everyone is safe, equal and respected.
The walk took place shortly before the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November to 10 December.
To mark the 16 Days of Activism, the council has flown several banners around the region, reminding the community and visitors that violence against women is never acceptable, run storytime events in local libraries and delivered community grants to groups hosting events.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said that everyone – especially men – can help to prevent violence against women.
“The 16 Days of Activism is a reminder that we need to continue the work of preventing violence against women – that we need to have zero tolerance for any violence against women and girls,” Cr Child said.
“The only way we can have a society with zero violence against women and girls is if everyone challenges sexist behaviours and attitudes – which can be as simple as taking a friend aside and letting them know their comments were unacceptable, and modelling positive behaviour towards women.
“We have an important role to play in local government by influencing change through service delivery, setting behavioural standards and working to change systems and structures that contribute to inequality.”
Council staff also heard a keynote speech from Not One More Niki founder, Tarang Chawla, about how men can help to prevent and end violence against women.
Not One More Niki was founded in memory of Tarang’s younger sister, Nikita, who was murdered by her partner in 2015.
“When we heard from Tarang Chawla, 88 women had been murdered in 2024 to date – that number is now 94, just one week later. That’s almost one woman killed every day of that week,” Cr Child said.
“Tarang said that it’s not just enough to not be violent towards women – we need men to get involved in the conversation, to listen to women and to try harder to change this trend.
“Men can help out, in small and large ways, by listening to women and their experiences, speaking up against sexist behaviours, jokes and attitudes, being vulnerable about their feelings with their friends and loved ones and by educating themselves and others in their circles.
“Nobody is going to be perfect at this, but we all need to try, and try a lot harder, if we’re going to turn around the horrific statistics we’re seeing climb almost every day in the news.
“I’m proud of our Council staff who came along to listen, who I hope will speak out against sexism in their day to day lives, and those who came to the city to join the Walk Against Family Violence.”
As part of their training at the council, staff must undertake Gender Equity and Bystander Training. This training equips staff to help prevent violence against women, by demonstrating ways to address sexist behaviours and attitudes in the workplace and in their day-to-day lives.
The council has a commitment to Gender Equity through its Gender Equity Action Plan, Council Plan and Health and Wellbeing Plan.
