Dear Presenters,
16 Days of Activism is coming up. I encourage you to support this important initiative
Nov 25 – Dec 10
16 Days is a global campaign established by the United Nations to raise awareness and encourage communities to take action to end violence against women. There are lots of activities and events happening in the region, such as vigils, workshops, forums, keynote speakers, children’s activities, book readings, film screenings and more.
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee have put together a fantastic TOOLKIT full of resources for us to use. Big shout out to Tina Helm for her work. It includes:
- Information on what is gendered violence, and ways we can work to prevent it.
- Event Hub and Calendar
- 16 Ways to get involved
- Responding to resistance
- Campaign resources
- Local stats + Facts
- Recommended Resources – Books, Film, Podcasts, Reports
- Kitchen Table Conversations
- Support services
It can be daunting to talk about an issue that is complex and multifaceted. If you are unsure of how to approach discussing these issues on the radio, please reach out for guidance. If you would like some help lining up interviews please let me know.
This morning Ash Tanner on These Boots are Made for Talkin’ conducted an excellent interview with Tina Helm from Women’s Health Loddon Mallee. They talked about 16 Days, what that means, why it’s important and how you can get involved. It is an excellent interview and a great example of how you can go about it. Well done Ash! I encourage you to listen back HERE (30 min)
I’ve attached some campaign materials for you – an instagram tile should you wish to theme your show and promote it on the socials.
Four Essential Actions to Prevent Gender Based Violence:
Challenge the condoning of violence against women
This involves challenging the beliefs that justify, excuse, trivialise, or downplay violence against women, or shift blame from perpetrators to victims, as well as challenging the ways these beliefs are upheld through things like workplace practices and laws.
Promote women’s independence in public life and relationships
This means promoting women’s independence in their relationships and families, as well as promoting women’s access to resources and decision-making power in public life, including in workplaces and parliaments.
Build new social norms that foster personal identities not constrained by rigid gender stereotypes
This involves challenging beliefs about how men and women should behave – and what they’re capable of – as well as challenging the ways these beliefs are upheld through social practices.
Support men and boys in developing healthy masculinities and positive, supportive male peer relationships
This involves supporting men and boys to develop healthy ideas about what it means to ‘be a man’ – and positive relationships with other men, that are not built on showing aggression, dominance, control or ‘hypersexuality’ (through things like sexual boasting).
A special one on the calendar:
Bendigo Library is hosting a free author talk from Hana Assafiri. Hana is a much-loved Melbourne personality, founder of Moroccan Soup Bar, and a social activist. Her book is a moving and inspirational memoir that confronts issues around domestic violence, food and women’s equality.
Nov 29th 11am – Midday
many thanks,
