09 Dec 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence | Pt 3
Tomorrow, Saturday 10th December, is Human Rights Day and the last day of the 16 Days of Activism campaign against Gender-Based Violence, a global initiative designed to incite individuals, communities, and organisations to address gender inequalities, gender-based violence and take action to prevent violence before it starts.
Even though it is the end of the campaign, we need to continue to lead with respect towards each other, be proud of who we are and call out inappropriate behaviour.
The quote, “The standard you walk past, is the standard you accept” became well known after 2016 Australian of the Year David Morrison used it as part of his campaign to champion gender equality in the army and is so true.
By not calling out on bad behaviour, we are just as much to blame and we are encouraging others to behave this way, including the younger generation – to teach respect, we need to show respect. In some instances, we may even be rewarding bad behaviour by going along with it and often fear is what stands in the way of us doing anything about it.
It isn’t easy to call out inappropriate behaviour, but if you can think of it as an act of kindness, then you can see that calling out bad behaviour creates respect, collaboration, growth, and change within an organisation and culture, but most importantly at an individual level.
Please let’s rise up and speak up against gender-based violence and fight for equality. Tools to help ‘call it out’, different types of bystander action and conversation starters can be found on the Respect Victoria website https://www.respectvictoria.vic.gov.au/campaigns/16-days-activism-2022-respect-women-call-it-out-respect
Let’s continue to work together for a safe, healthy, and equal community.
- Safe Steps 1800 015 188 or www.safesteps.org.au
- 1800 RESPECT 1800 737 732 or www.1800respect.org.au
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au
- Rainbow Door 1800 729 367 or www.rainbowdoor.org.au
- Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491 or www.ntv.org.au
- Seniors Rights Victoria 1300 368 821 or www.seniorsrights.org.au
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