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Central Victorian organisations are jumping on board the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign, showing their support with splashes of orange.
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee hosted a morning tea on Wednesday in honour of the cause, bringing together staff and board members.
From the food to the decorations, everything was orange – the designated colour of the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE to end violence against women campaign.
Women’s Health Loddon Mallee executive officer Tricia Currie said the campaign created “the environment for conversation” and opportunities for people to take action.
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Orange was selected to symbolise hope for a bright future, free from violence against women and girls.
The 16 days of activism started on November 25, the international day for the elimination of violence against women, and ends on December 10, which is human rights day.
Victoria Against Violence ties into the campaign.
Makenna Bryon, of Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, said the organisation had supported Bendigo TAFE, the Country Fire Authority, YMCA, several local government areas, and Ouyen P-12 College to get behind the Victoria Against Violence initiative.
Sports Focus also received funding from Women’s Health Loddon Mallee to host an event in support of the Victoria Against Violence campaign, as part of its Miss Me-time program.
The Food and Fun session took place at the badminton and table tennis stadium at Eaglehawk.
Miss Me-time encourages women to be more active by offering free, women-only sports sessions.
“We’ve chosen to be part of this campaign as it’s a chance for us to promote gender equality through sport,” said Sports Focus project coordinator Natalie Lake.
Violence against women is the biggest contributor to ill health and premature death in women aged 15 – 44, according to VicHealth.
Mental illness makes up almost 60 per cent of the disease burden resulting from violence.
Gender inequality is one of the drivers of men’s violence against women.
“Victoria Against Violence is an important way for every member of the community to step up and challenge the attitudes that fuel violence,” Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Fiona Richardson, said.