16 Days of Activism at the City of Monash

Next date: Monday, 24 November 2025 | 10:30 AM to Wednesday, 26 November 2025 | 10:30 AM

Orange light civic centre

Everyone deserves to feel safe, equal and respected

Yet in Australia, more than 1 in 3 women have experienced violence from men. Together, we can change this by building communities grounded in respect. 

Monash Council is proud to support the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, running from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). 

What’s happening?

Lighting up Monash Civic Centre

We’ll illuminate the Monash Civic Centre in orange throughout the campaign (except on 1 December for World AIDS Day) to show our support.

Monash Staff Walk Against Violence

Council staff will participate in a walk against violence to Bogong Reserve in Glen Waverley to build awareness of issues and support.

Respect Is: Supporting Young People Webinar

Free webinar

Wednesday 26 November, 7.30pm - 9pm
Online - Zoom

Join us for a free webinar designed for parents, carers and families of young people aged 8–14.  

Special guest Rana Hussain will moderate a panel of speakers which includes Lindsay Marchment from The Man Cave, author and educator Jess Sanders, and Angie Tsimaras, a graduate of the ‘Leaders for Change’ Program for young people.  

Our panel will break down stereotypes and help you have important and open conversations around respect and wellbeing with the young people in your life. 

This event is a collaboration with Knox City Council, Maroondah City Council, Yarra Ranges Council, and supported by Respect Victoria and Safe and Equal. 

For information and to book: Respect is: Supporting young people to build healthy relationships | Maroondah City Council

Gender Equality Storytimes

Monash libraries will host special storytime sessions with age-appropriate themes of respect.

Bookings not required. More information at monlib.events.mylibrary.digital

Clayton Library

24 and 28 November, 10.30am

Glen Waverley Library

25 and 27 November, 10.30am 

Mulgrave Library

25 November, 2.30pm

Oakleigh Library

26 and 27 November, 10.30am

Wheelers Hill Library

26 November, 10.30am.

Become a campaign advocate

Even if you’re unable to attend one of our campaign events, you can still make a meaningful impact.

Visit A violence-free Victoria. It all starts with respect. to learn more about the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence 2025 and discover how you can get involved.

Monash Quick Response Grants Program

In the lead-up to the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign (25 November – 10 December), and throughout the year, we encourage Monash community groups and artists to apply for funding to support projects or events that promote gender equality and the prevention of family violence and all forms of violence against women.

Monash Quick Response Grants are designed to support local community groups and individual creative efforts that strengthen community and build cohesion. These grants are ideal for initiatives that fall outside the regular funding cycle of the Monash Community Grant Program.

Funding available: Up to $5,000. 

For more information, visit Quick Response Grants.

Contact the Monash Community Grants Team on 9518 3555 or email monash.grants@monash.vic.gov.au to discuss your proposal.

What can you do?

Monash Quick Response Grants Program

In the lead up to the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign (25 November- 10 December), and all year round, we encourage Monash community groups and artists to apply for projects or events that promote gender equality and the prevention of family violence and all forms of violence against women.

The MonashQuick Response Grants are designed to support local community groups and individual creative efforts to assist in strengthening community and building cohesion. This opportunity is for those whose projects, programs or issues that may arise outside of the normal funding cycle of the Monash Community Grant Program.  Up to $5,000 funding is available.

For further information please visit:  Quick-Response-Grant-Program

If you have an innovative idea, please contact the Monash Community Grants Team on 9518 3555 or at monash.grants@monash.vic.gov.au to discuss it.

Why is this important?

Did you know?

  • 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 and Equal, 2022)

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.

Support is available

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, support is available: 1800RESPECT at 1800 737 732 (National Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service).

For more info on support services visit our web page: Family Violence Support

 

When

  • Monday, 24 November 2025 | 10:30 AM - Wednesday, 26 November 2025 | 10:30 AM