The United Nation’s international campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence takes place each year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December (International Human Rights Day).
The campaign began in 1991 as a strategy to unite and magnify calls for the elimination of violence against women and girls. Each year, the 16 Days of Activism campaign galvanises movements and organisations working around the world, and draws the attention of governments to the critical issue of gender-based violence.
In 2024, in Ballina, NSW, the birthplace of the Rotary Says NO to Domestic and Family Violence campaign, more than 1,000 people marched together on Friday 29 November to promote respectful relationships.
Rotary members, school students, local businesses, first responders such as police officers, and general community members all united to spread the message that domestic and family violence has no place in our society.
Numerous events were held across the country to raise awareness about one of the biggest threats to the health and wellbeing of women and children.
In 2025, PDG Dave Harmon, of the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond, is asking clubs and districts to once again support this crucial initiative by holding any number of events to help raise awareness within the community.
The National Day of Action for Rotary clubs across our Zone is Friday 28 November. Let’s all come together on this day to activate a campaign in your town or city. Imagine the impact!
For more information contact PDG Dave Harmon, of the Rotary Club of Ballina-on-Richmond, NSW, via dharmon22361@gmail.com or +61 401 956 996
In 2024, Rotary clubs across Australia held numerous events in support of the 16 Days of Activism.
Members from across District 9620 attended a special district dinner. Guests included a co-chair from the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council, the Acting Queensland Police Superintendent, and the CEO of the Centre Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) in the Moreton Bay region.
The Rotary Club of Wynnum and Manly partnered with local police to run a Coffee with a Cop session.
The Rotary Districts of NSW and NSW Police held a launch event on 22 November, with more than 2,000 people walking 3km from Randwick to Coogee. They heard inspiring speeches from school students and government ministers including the NSW Governor. In her speech, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb acknowledged the important partnership between Rotary South Pacific and NSW Police. This year, NSW Police and Rotary’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism is ‘Young people, the innocent victims of Domestic and Family Violence’. So, our campaign and its message will be around youth.
In South Australia, more than 1,000 people walked from Adelaide’s Victoria Square to Elder Park as part of District 9510’s Walk for Respect. Around 30 local domestic and family violence support organisations and community groups partnered with the district to show their commitment to the cause. Around 20 state and federal politicians and departmental leaders took part on the day.
Clubs from across District 9685 participated in community walks. Hundreds of Rotary members attended events held in Penrith, Riverstone, Castle Hill, Hornsby, Manly, Central Coast and other areas. Rotary clubs throughout the district tapped into the partnership between the Districts of NSW and NSW Police. Rotary members and police officers walked side by side, alongside other community groups and students. A moving ceremony was held at the end of the Northern Beaches walk. Among the thick sea mist, the name of every woman killed by domestic violence in the past year was read out, each accompanied by the strike of a gong.