Cumberland City Council is calling on the community to unite and take a stand against gender-based violence as part of this year’s global 16 Days of Activism campaign.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign, led by the United Nations, is a worldwide movement calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. Each year, communities across the globe mark the campaign between the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Human Rights Day, using this time to advocate, educate and act.
Council will host the Western Sydney Women’s March on Thursday 27 November at 11am, bringing residents together under the banner SAFE. EVERYWHERE. ALWAYS. to show solidarity, raise awareness and call for change.
The March, which commences at Merrylands Oval and concludes in Civic Square on McFarlane St, will see the community walk side by side to support women and girls affected by violence and reaffirm the shared belief that everyone has the right to live free from fear and harm.
Mayor Ola Hamed has encouraged residents and organisations to get behind this important initiative.
“Violence against women and girls is not just an individual issue, it’s a community issue and requires community effort,” she said.
“By coming together for this march, we are sending a clear message that safety and respect are fundamental human rights.
Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, online, at work and in public, and we all have a role to play in building a safer and more respectful community.”
Council is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful community where all people can live free from violence and discrimination.
In addition to the Domestic and Family Violence Hub (DFV Hub), the march is part of Council’s broader efforts to raise awareness, support survivors and promote equality across Cumberland.
The DFV Hub was established by Council to address the lack of outreach services in the area and provides a discreet, co-located space where women escaping violence can safely access coordinated support, receive financial and legal information as well as update skills necessary for independence.
The Hub was recognised as a finalist at the Local Government Excellence Awards, reflecting Council’s leadership and commitment to tackling domestic and family violence through collaboration and innovation.
The facilitation of the Hub, along with all of Council’s DFV awareness and prevention initiatives have been informed by the DFV Action Plan. Acknowledging the 16 Days of Activism to raise awareness and promote primary prevention of DFV is one of the key goals contained within the action plan.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/activism.
