16 Days of Activism at the City of Monash

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

Dignity, Safety and Joy: Your Rights as a LGBTIQA+ Individual

Thursday 27 November 2025
6pm - 8pm
Glen Waverley Library

Free event

Join us for this special event exploring the legal rights and support services available to the LGBTIQA+ community. This session will cover key topic including discrimination, healthy relationships, family violence, gender affirmation, and more.

Presented by the Justice Q team from South-East Monash Legal Service, this event is part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. Justice Q offers free legal assistance to LGBTIQA+ people living in Melbourne’s south-east.

Participants will be contacted by email closer to the event date to see if they have any specific areas or questions they want covered in the session.

For more information and to book: Dignity, Safety and Joy: Your Rights as a LGBTIQA+ Individual | Monash Public Library Service

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.

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

Event Snapshot

Cost

Free

Contact

Gender Diversity and Equity Coordinator, Tracey Egan

9518 3269

Tracey.Egan@monash.vic.gov.au