Council joins fight against gendered violence

Monday, 12 November 2018

Moonee Valley City Council is taking part in the 16 Days of Activism campaign to help end gender-based violence and promote gender equity.

Moonee Valley Mayor Cr Narelle Sharpe said violence against women was endemic in the community and needed to be addressed at a grassroots level.

“Gender-based violence affects many of our residents, which is why we are acting to address this in our MV2040 Strategy and through our social and community services to ensure people feel safe in Moonee Valley, whether that’s in public or at home,” Cr Sharpe said.

“We’ll be flying flags and lighting up the Clocktower orange (as the colour chosen by the United Nations) to show our support for the campaign to end violence against women and girls, and encouraging the community to get involved.”

Portfolio holder for Community Wellbeing Cr Jim Cusack said the 16 Days of Activism campaign runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day) and this year’s theme is ‘Orange the World: #HearMeToo’.

“We are calling on the community, especially our men and boys, to join us in promoting, advancing and championing the human rights of women and girls,” Cr Cusack said.

“You can take action to end violence against women by signing up for the 16 Days Activist Challenge, or by taking the time to think about what you’re doing to help improve equality for women and girls in Moonee Valley.”

Council is also holding a White Ribbon Day breakfast featuring family violence campaigner, commentator, former AFL/VFL footballer and former politician Phil Cleary.

Find out more about the 16 Days campaign and Council’s involvement at mvcc.vic.gov.au/16days

Contact for journalists:

Sarah Schwager, Media Advisor
Phone: 03 9243 8813; Mobile 0447 517 177; Email: media@mvcc.vic.gov.au