Faith Macale
Melton Council has partnered with Girlchat for this year’s 16 Days of Activism to campaign against gender-based violence and strengthen action to end violence against women and girls around the world.
Girlchat’s co-founder Sarah Manyok said Girlchat aims to empower young women to talk about situations that are important to them.
In order to open up conversations, Girlchat will be holding different activities for 16 days of Activism that are open for all ages and all genders.
“We’re going to be hosting three different sessions,” Ms Manyok said.
“Our first session being just a quick introduction to gender-based violence, where we just talk about the impact and statistics of gender-based violence.
“Our second session will then be on consent and healthy relationships, followed by a workshop on bystander intervention.
“Our final session is going to be a community brunch, where we invite participants, community members, and local organisations, and we just further discuss our commitments to ending gender-based violence.”
Ms Manyok said the organisation is committed to educating everyone on what to do in situations of family violence.
“I know when it comes to gender-based violence, we often think it can only happen to women; however, that is not the case,” she said.
“It’s definitely open to anybody who’s wanting to learn more, wanting to support and become an advocate and an ally.”
She said it’s also important for young people to learn about gender-based violence early.
“I think it’s important to raise awareness about the prevalence and the impact of gender-based violence,” she said.
“We need to be able to create platforms and have open discussions, not only about this topic, but about gender norms and the violence that occurs, and hold people accountable as well. Hold our community accountable.”
Melton’s 16 days of Activism runs from Monday, November 25 to Tuesday, December 10.
For more information visit: melton.vic.gov.au/Services/Health-safety-and-wellbeing/Health-and-wellbeing-programs-and-services/16-Days-of-Activism
