16 Days of Activism

25 November to 10 December

On average, a woman in Australia is killed by a man they know every 10 days. This violence is not inevitable - it is preventable.

The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign to end gender-based violence. Every year, communities around the world join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.

Council is committed to building a community that is respectful and where women can live free from violence, and the fear of violence. During these 16 Days of Activism, we will host and support a number of events and activities across the shire to encourage community conversation, awareness, skills building and action.

Our local libraries are also supporting the 16 Days of Activism with several initiatives, including a themed StoryWalk, storytimes and collection displays.

Free to Be Me Photo Competition

Expectations and beliefs about what people can or can't do because of their gender contributes to violence against women. Men can be gentle. Women can be powerful.

Everyone is invited to challenge the way we think about gender and power through Free to Be Me, a photography competition that celebrates diverse expressions of gender identity as part of the 16 Days of Activism.

Entries that show how challenging restrictive gender stereotypes and expectations can create a safer community are welcomed in the following categories: Live, Work, or Play.

The competition was open to anyone over 12 who lives, works, or plays in the Macedon Ranges (some permissions may apply).

The competition closed on 15 November 2024. Shortlisted photographs will be exhibited at the Social Foundry in Kyneton, and online, from 25 November to 10 December 2024.

Prizes

  • First Place Adult: $200 Cash plus $200 Framing by Maddisons of Gisborne
  • First Place Youth (12-25): $150 Cash plus $150 Framing by Maddisons of Gisborne
  • Highly Commended Adult: $100 Cash
  • Highly Commended Youth: $50 Cash 
  • People’s Choice: $100 Framing by Maddisons of Gisborne 

16 Days of Activism Events

Events will be added here soon as details become available.

If your community group or organisation is hosting a local event that you would like us to add to the list below, you can submit your event here.

Prevention of violence is a challenge that belongs to us all. We encourage community to get involved and stand with victim-survivors as we move towards a culture where women are safe, equal and respected.

Thank you to our partners

Respect Victoria Logo  Maddisons of Gisborne logo Sunbury Cobaw Community Health logo Safe and Equal logo

Goldfields Libraries logo Wire logo  Women's Health Loddon Mallee logo  Zonta Club of Kyneton logo with tagline 'Build a better world for women and girls'.
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