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International Women Human Rights Defenders Day

Today we commemorate the activism, advocacy and courageous acts of resistance of women human rights defenders.

So, why do we single out women human rights defenders specifically? Well, women human rights defenders are not only subjected to the same types of risks as any other human rights defender; including threats, death threats, imprisonment, harassment, stigmatisation, torture and even death; but they are also subjected to gender-specific threats and gender-specific violence. Women human rights defenders are often advocating issues that challenge traditional notions of family and gender roles in society. Gender inequality is at the heart of violations against women human rights defenders.

Gender Equality Champions

It is critical that we address gender stereotypes and promote changes in community attitudes in order to prevent violence against women and their children. Gender inequality not only increases the risks of women experiencing violence from men it also makes it more difficult for vulnerable people to seek protection when they need it.

Women and Poverty

We know that unequal access to power and resources is the main cause of violence against women and that economic participation is a key indicator of gender equality. So, what does this look like here in Australia? Well, not so great. Women are significantly more likely to be living in poverty than men, with 14.7% of women compared with 13% of all men experiencing poverty in 2011-12. On average, women need to work 65 extra days in a year to earn the same as men. 

On a local level, 42% of women in the City of Kingston earn less thatn $400 per week compared to 28% of men.

Education and Training for Women

We all know that education for all is a fundamental human right – but what has it got to do with violence against women? Well, quite a lot actually. Education and training play a significant role in changing harmful and discriminatory gender stereotypes that promote or condone violence against women. In Bayside 67% of males have completed Year 12 (or equivalent) compared to 63% of females.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Welcome to the first day of the 16 Days of Activism. Today we celebrate the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women. One in three Australian women has experienced physical violence by a current or former partner, since the age of 15 years. One woman dies at the hands of a current or former partner almost every week in Australia.

Did you know that within the catchment of Southern Melbourne PCP between 2010 and 2014 we have seen an increase in family violence incidents ranging from 39 % in City of Port Phillip to a massive 82.3 % increase in the City of Bayside? This is the highest in our region. 

Members of Southern Melbourne PCP's Family Violence Working Group have decided to #StartTheConversation in our community and flood social media to connect with as many of our colleagues and community members as possible during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.