Bertha's Legacy’s Post

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – Day 10 On Day 10 of the #16DaysOfActivism, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made so far and how so much further we have to go. So far, I’ve walked 33 kilometres out of my goal of 100km for the 16 Days - which barely makes a dent in the huge amount of work we have to do. As I look ahead to the final six days of this campaign, I’m reminded that advocacy is a collective effort. Together, we have the power to demand accountability, uplift voices that are too often silenced, and build systems that empower rather than harm. Donate to my walk at: https://lnkd.in/gsATYgEW #16DaysOfActivism #DisabilityRights #EndViolence #HumanRights #AutisticAdvocacy [Image: Teal background with white circle shapes. White heading text highlighted in orange: '16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.' Below heading text is white text highlighted in grey reading: 'Day 9.' Below the text is a silhouette of a woman running. In the top left corner is the UN Women and Heidi La Paglia Reid Consulting logos in white.]

Am I making you uncomfortable with my posts about #ViolenceAgainstWomen? I’m not sorry. I am a woman who wants every woman, everywhere, to be safe—always. And right now, we are not. Femicide is a global crisis. Every day, over 140 women are killed by a partner or family member. Most women and girls are killed intentionally by someone they know. Imagine that—the people we are told to trust most are the greatest threat to our lives. Some groups of women face an even higher risk: Indigenous women, transgender women, women in the public eye, and those who dare to defend human rights. But here’s the truth: the actual scale of femicide is much higher than what’s reported. Too many lives are erased, uncounted, and ignored. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is not just a campaign; it is a call to action. There is #NoExcuse for femicide. It is preventable. But prevention demands that we confront the systems, mindsets, and cultures that allow violence against women to persist. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, good. Discomfort is where awareness begins. And awareness leads to action. I’m taking action to raise much needed funds. Donate to my UN Women Australia fundraiser here: https://lnkd.in/gTvTHHke #SafeEverywhereAlways #GenderBasedViolence #16DaysOfActivism

Today marks the kickoff of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence! This annual international campaign runs from November 25th- the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—through to December 10, Human Rights Day. This year’s theme, “Come Together, Act Now,” calls on everyone in Canada, especially men and boys to join the fight against gender-based violence.  Changing social norms, attitudes, and behaviors starts with all of us! Since its launch in 1991, the campaign has been a global call to action to speak up against gender-based violence and renew our commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. 💜 How You Can Get Involved?  SHARE! Spread the word by sharing our posts or creating your own using the #16DaysWithFBF hashtag.   BECOME AN ALLY! • Listen: Open your heart to learn from others’ experiences. • Believe: Support survivors by saying “I believe you” and “This is not your fault.” • Educate: Learn more about our Black Youth Against Gender Based Violence Project by visiting www.futureblackfemale.com and taking our GBV module. • Speak Out: Use your voice to call out violence - Our GBV Module has all the information you’d need! • Intervene: Safely help when you see acts of GBV by naming it, expressing concern, and offering support. • Act: Donate or volunteer with organizations working to end GBV. ALWAYS REMEMBER! COMMUNITY MATTERS: Together, our collective actions can create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone. Let’s stand united and make a lasting impact! #16Days #16DaysWithFBF #EndGBV #ComeTogetherActNow #FBF #SupportSurvivors #CommunityStrong #TakeAction #BeAnAlly #StopViolence #EmpowerChange

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls. The abuse of women and girls is very often about power and control, and I think we all need to take action, however small (the small things really do add up to bring about change), so that victims and survivors can gain the support they need to empower themselves. But what can each of us do? Here's my action list for the week: - Talk to the young people in my life about healthy relationships. There's some great ideas for how to do this here https://lnkd.in/etsXMTSM - Read about survivors and their stories, reminding myself how important their voices are https://lnkd.in/ee2R76mJ - As Co-Chair of our gender equity network, Balance, Tamsin Morris and I will be meeting with M&R colleagues this week to look at how we can improve our Domestic Abuse Policy and ensure it is victim focussed. There is always more work to be done. - And if you don't know your local domestic abuse charity, I would recommend getting to know them. Here's a directory of who is local to you - https://lnkd.in/eQWHi_Yy You never know when a friend might need their number, and if you want to get more involved, many organisations run "champion" volunteer schemes. https://lnkd.in/eZRsFeQQ

December 6th is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. It's also a day to honour the victims of the Polytechnique Montreal tragedy by wearing a white ribbon. Here are five ways to support December 6th, the Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women! 1. Attend Vigils or Events in your community. 2. Educate and Spread Awareness on social media or community groups. 3. Support Front-line Women's Organizations by donating or volunteering. 4. Advocate for Policy Changes. Write to policymakers or participate in campaigns advocating for stronger laws and policies to protect women from violence. 5. Engage in conversations about the importance of ending violence against women. Encourage open dialogue, challenge harmful stereotypes, and promote a culture of respect and equality. These actions can help in raising awareness, providing support to survivors, advocating for change, and fostering a community committed to preventing and addressing violence against women. #DVawareness #DVawarenessmonth #16Days #UIAG #MMIW #MMIP #MMIWG #MMIWG2s+ #Awareness #NoMoreStolen #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #EndViolence #dayofremembranceandactiononviolenceagainstwomen

The 16 Days of Activism is here! This year, we’re focussing on our #freedomtoroam campaign, which highlights the issues women face in public spaces and on public transport. 📅 November 25 – December 10. The Freedom to Roam campaign is a pivotal initiative by The Stay Safe Global Charitable Trust, seeking to address and combat the pervasive issue of violence and harassment against women in public spaces. By raising awareness and advocating for policy changes, the campaign delves into the challenges that restrict women's freedom and mobility daily. We aim to foster safer environments where women can navigate public spaces without fear. This campaign is part of a broader effort to create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can move freely and confidently. Your voice matters! We invite you to share your personal stories and experiences as your journey can inspire change and awareness. Record a short video of your commute or write about how public spaces can be improved for safety. Check out our blog for more information and tips on how to create impactful stories. 📧 Send your submissions to info@staysafeglobal.com and be part of a movement that prioritises safety and empowerment for everyone. #ShareYourStory #PublicSafety #SSGCT There’s strength in numbers—join us to be part of the fight. 💪 #16DaysOfActivism #ViolencePrevention #StaySafeGlobal

Four years ago there was an Australian senate inquiry into domestic violence. The inquiry wrapped up 3 months early without seeking any submissions, holding any hearings or making any recommendations. I wrote a personal piece in response to this. This piece was shared hundreds of times, because people care and people agree that the statistics around violence against women are unacceptable. So where are we now… four years on? - Currently, 1 woman is killed every 4 days in Australia - Homicide victimisation rates for Indigenous females was 3.07 per 100,000 compared with 0.45 per 100,000 for non-Indigenous females in 2022/23 - In 2024, 86 women have been killed in violent circumstances in Australia and we still have 34 days of the year to go. Most alarmingly, the situation is getting worse: 56 women killed in 2021  68 in 2022  74 in 2023  86 in 2024 (so far) This is not the four years of statistics you’d expect post a senate inquiry. The above numbers include only homicides, not the countless suicides that also occur as a result of abuse against women, or the women living in real fear of this end. When I read the names of the women killed, I think of them more in life than in death. I think of the fear they would have felt. I wonder at the help they sought, whether they felt alone, how long they had endured abuse. I think of those who loved them and who was left behind. And I also think of the thousands of women in Australia and globally currently experiencing physical, sexual, emotional, social, verbal, spiritual and economic abuse. I know how hard it is to find a way out, which is why only 40% of women experiencing violence seek help. I believe connection, conversation and actionism can make an impact. That’s why I have joined my work colleagues at INFORMED 365 for 16 days of activism for the UN Women Australia’s Safe. Everywhere. Always. challenge. Participants of Safe. Everywhere. Always. are currently taking steps to raise awareness, advocate for change, and raise funds through the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, to support grassroots programs around the world working to put an end to violence against women. If you’d like to support my team, you can sponsor my personal challenge (I'm still nursing a broken leg so the steps I’ll be taking will be under water) here https://lnkd.in/gFmkNW52 #safeeverywherealways #16daysofactivism #unwomen #safe365squad Annabelle C. Tahlia Mack (Zanjani) Sally Bowers

Today marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (November 25th - December 10th). This global campaign aims to raise awareness, call for action, and inspire everyone to stand against all forms of violence faced by women and girls. Together, we can create a safer, more equitable world. How to join the campaign: 1.Speak out against GBV in your community. 2.Share resources and awareness on social media. 3.Support survivors by listening, believing, and advocating for them. 4.Donate to organizations working to end GBV. 5.Attend or organize events focused on ending violence. Every voice matters in this fight. Let’s unite for change! #16DaysOfActivism #EndGBV #StopViolenceAgainstWomen #OrangeTheWorld #ActNow

Male representation is essential in the MMIW movement because it fosters a sense of shared responsibility and unites communities in the fight against violence. When men advocate for change, it challenges the structures that enable violence and demonstrates that this is not solely a women’s issue—it’s a human issue. Men’s involvement can help break cycles of violence, create safer spaces, and inspire other men to take action. By standing together, men and women can work to dismantle harmful stereotypes, uplift Indigenous voices, and ensure that future generations live in a world where justice and equality prevail. It’s time for all of us to take an active role in the movement. Indigenous Model: @thelittlenativethatcould Maya & llocano To support content like this, please consider a donation of any amount. Text ‘Give Native’ to 44-321 or visit our website https://lnkd.in/gVYdEM32 #MMIW #MenAsAllies #MMIP #MMIR #MMIWR #IndigenousAdvocacy #ProtectOurWomen #NoMoreStolenSisters #IndigenousWarriors #StandWithUs

Unite to end violence against women and girls – by building networks to advocate for and support women and girls who are affected by violence, we can help to make a difference. Here are some stories from our members doing just that: 🌍 In Iceland, an ACWW Coordinator shares how their Member Society have collaborated with societies in their area: “We have for many years been in collaboration with other women's organizations regarding the 16 days campaign. These organisations have been organizing a national campaign through the Human Rights Office where they organise, collect, and write an article to be published in one of the national newspapers in Iceland, one every day over the 16 days. Other women's organizations in Iceland have been doing a lot of other activities. For example, UN Women with a 16-day march with lights. We encourage our members to participate in that and all other activities that are organized.” 🌎 In the USA, an ACWW Coordinator shares how they are campaigning to raise awareness about gender-based violence year-round: “the united effort is to wear orange on the 25th day of every month in 2025 to raise awareness about gender-based violence year-round. We can all learn more about what is happening in our neighbourhoods. Talk with a police officer, a domestic violence shelter manager, or a foster parent. Listen, pay attention, speak out.” You can support our capacity-building work to widen networks of support in rural communities by donating online today: https://lnkd.in/eKM8A2-N If you are affected by the themes of this campaign, please take care and reach out to services that can help such as: https://lila.help/ or https://lnkd.in/d3Nst6m #UniteForChange #YouAreNotAlone #TogetherWeCan #StandTogether #SupportEachOther #CommunityStrength #EndViolence #Solidarity #EmpowerEachOther #16Days #OrangetheWorld