Women’s Health Grampians is strengthening its work for primary prevention of violence against women by raising awareness of diversity and empowering local women to lead change.
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The health organisation will employ, train and support a group of six to 12 women from diverse backgrounds to become equality advocates as part of its new project Equality for All.
The advocates will speak publicly about violence against women and discrimination to increase understanding of how women experience discrimination and gender inequality.
Equality is the key driver to stopping family violence.
- Rosie Batty, family violence campaigner
The new project is part of the Communities of Respect and Equality (CoRE), a partnership of organisations, businesses, clubs, groups and networks from across the Grampians region that are guiding action on preventing violence against women and their children before it occurs.
Women’s Health Grampians chief executive Marianne Hendron said the new Equality for All program will support women from diverse backgrounds to have a voice.
“The equality advocates will be instrumental in supporting CoRE members to develop a deeper understanding of effective strategies to reduce discrimination and barriers to equality,” she said.
Our Watch statistics reveal one in three Australian women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner.
Family violence campaigner Rosie Batty said in Ballarat in November education and changing societal attitudes was key to family violence prevention.
“We have changed our attitude to smoking, we will never be a smoking community again. I think of how I have seen change with our attitudes to smoking… I hope we all get to the place where we say family violence is never acceptable,” she said.
“Equality is the key driver to stopping family violence.”
Following training, equality advocates will be employed to undertake speaking opportunities at Women’s Health Grampians events, training and workshops. They will develop a video that promotes equality for all and will be involved in developing a celebration event of women’s differences and strengths.
Women’s Health Grampians is encouraging women from a wide range of backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal women, older women, LGBTIQA+ women, women with a disability and women from migrant and refugee background.
Visit whg.org.au/priorities-programs/core#equality-for-all-project for more information and to apply.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
