You’re invited to take part in a series of events across Onkaparinga from Saturday 25 November as part of a global campaign against gender-based violence.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Started by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991, the 16 Days campaign is used as an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
Organisations across Onkaparinga, including council, host events throughout the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence Onkaparinga program.
City of Onkaparinga Acting Mayor Michael Fisher says Onkaparinga’s 16 Days events allow the community to show support for change.
"Each year more than one woman a week is murdered in Australia by a partner or former partner, with more than 50 women already having been killed this year," he said.
"Supported by the RESPECT Community Action Group Onkaparinga, which council is proudly involved in, the 2023 calendar of events incorporates a range of opportunities for the community to get involved.
"I encourage everyone to head along to one of the 16 Days events and learn how to move from awareness to action when it comes to ending violence against women and children."
Download the entire Onkaparinga program here(PDF, 666KB), keep up to date with events and discussion on the program Facebook page, and check out some of the program highlights below.
You can also get involved by:
- sharing information about what you’re doing during the 16 Days to prevent and end domestic violence (DV) on Facebook
- tying an orange ribbon on your letterbox and taking a photo to share a message about why you want to end DV
- sharing information about the 16 Days program and having a conversation with someone about why we must all work together to prevent and end DV
- wearing orange (the international colour for the Say No to Violence Against Women campaign)
- calling into a participating community centre, your local Department for Human Services children’s centre or any of Onkaparinga’s libraries to create/colour a butterfly to add to their 1000 Butterflies for Non-Violence display. Participating community centres include Aldinga Community Centre, Reynella Neighbourhood Centre, Christie Downs Community House, Seaford Community Centre, Studio 20 Youth Centre and Coromandel Community Centre.
The community-driven local program is coordinated in a calendar of events by Department for Human Services Safer Family Services and supported by the new RESPECT Community Action Group (CAG) Onkaparinga. The action group includes representatives from organisations that run, assist and support 16 Days events and includes Anglicare, Uniting Communities, White Ribbon Australia, Southern Domestic Violence Action Group, Southern Football League, Rotary Club of Morphett Vale, Zonta, Christies Beach High School and other community focused services in the south.
Day one – Saturday 25 November
Take part in the Walk for Respect – Rotary says NO to Domestic Violence free peaceful parade at 10am from Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga along King William Street. Meet at 9am.
Day 4 – Tuesday 28 November
A series of TED Talks will be shown at Noarlunga Library between 2–3:30pm—free, bookings required, suitable for adults. Watch and discuss some brilliant talks on empowerment, toxic masculinity, change, using your voice and the contributions of women. Coffee and afternoon tea provided. Learn more.
Day 5 – Wednesday 29 November
Enjoy a Reflections, Poetry, and Storytelling event at Boomers Bar on Beach Road, Christies Beach, celebrating the bravery of survivors. Contact Shelly for bookings on 0423 422 692. Bar, platter and meal options available for purchase.
Day 6 – Tuesday 29 November
The Hon Katrine Hildyard MP will host a gathering on the steps of Parliament House in Adelaide. Head along and gather in unity to contemplate the effects of domestic violence in the community, and to recognise how we can work together to create a safer state. Parliament House will be lit up orange in acknowledgement of victims of gender-based violence.
Day 8 – Saturday 2 December
Calling all men and the community to stand up together and join The Men’s March for Change on Beach Road, Christies Beach Road at 11am. Meet at Market Square next to Coles. The march will end at Rotary Park where it joins the Clothesline Project, which runs from 11:30am to 1pm and acknowledges women and children affected by assault and abuse. This event offers a free barbecue, live music and interactive stalls with service providers.
This event also provides an opportunity to visit the Place of Courage Ripple in Rotary Park, a public art project which encourages reflection and recognition of domestic and family violence
Day 12 – Wednesday 6 December
Enjoy the Safe Space at Christmas free family event at Niipu-niipu Wama/Morton Park from 3:30 – 5:30pm, with food, face painting, live music and dance performances. Bring a blanket or chair.
Day 13 – Thursday 7 December
Watch a free film screening of award-winning Australian documentary, Brazen Hussies at Aldinga Library from 6–8pm. Learn how a daring and diverse group of women joined forces to defy the status quo, demand equality and create profound social change. The film will be followed by a discussion of issues, thoughts and actions with some special guests. Bubbles and nibbles available. Suitable for adults. Bookings essential.
Day 14 – Friday 8 December
Head to Port Noarlunga’s Arts Centre for a Celebration of Women event from 12:30 to 2:30pm. Celebrate some of the amazing women in our community who have survived family and domestic abuse by seeing some of the ways they’ve nurtured their souls and cared for their well-being with their expression through different artistic mediums. Book here.
Day 15 – Saturday 9 December
Christies Beach High School students have created artwork to raise funds for Southern Domestic Violence Action Group and Spirit of Woman. Go to the Art Auction Facebook page and make a bid in the comments section any time between 9am on 25 November, to 5pm on 8 December.
Day 16 – Sunday 10 December
*Update - the planned Dawn Vigil at Port Noarlunga jetty has been cancelled due to the forecast extreme weather. People are encouraged to instead light a candle in their window to support ending violence against women, and in consideration for the women who have lost their lives - especially the five women in recent weeks.
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Pictured
Butterfly making at a community centre during the 16 Days of Activism in 2021.