Raise awareness about gender-based violence against women as a human rights issue at local, national, regional and international levels
Strengthen local work around gender-based violence against women
Establish a clear link between local and international work to end gender-based violence against women
Provide a forum in which organisers can develop and share new and effective strategies
Demonstrate the solidarity of women around the world organising against gender-based violence against women
Create tools to pressure governments to implement commitments to eliminate gender-based violence against women
Australian Sociologist Dr Michael Flood suggests resistance is an inevitable response when we talk about the social change that promotes gender equality, coming in multiple forms such as blaming the problem on the victim, denying that the problem exists, that the message is untruthful or exaggerated or questioning the credibility of the messenger. The most common form of resistance is the rejection of the claim that women are disadvantaged and men are privileged.
It is important that when a group or individual decides to participate in the promotion of gender equality and events such as 16 Days, they are prepared for resistance and backlash from others.
There are a number of great resources for organisations, community groups and individuals to help prepare for and deal with backlash and resistance whilst participating in the 16 Days and, more generally, when engaging in prevention activities. Have a look at some of these resources to ensure you are prepared for resistance: Our Watch Practice Guide, Women’s Health East’s Responding to Backlash resource, and Respect Victoria’s 16 Days Toolkit, which contains a section dedicated to Dealing with Resistance and Backlash.
You can also check out VicHealth’s practical guide for preparing for and responding to backlash and resistance which contains the eight forms of resistance and 13 ways to tackle gender discrimination!
We have prepared a series of resources to help you show your support for the 16 Days of Activism campaign. You can download posters, virtual backgrounds, and add a frame to your Facebook profile to spread awareness. Check out all the resources here.
A free support service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have previously experienced family violence.
The national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling and information referral service, available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Victoria’s state-wide first response service for women, young people and children experiencing family violence.
A free and anonymous search of over 360,000 services to find housing, meals, healthcare, counselling, legal advice, addiction treatment and more.
