Parliament House will glow orange for the first time ever to say no to violence against women
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So far this year, 39 women and girls have died in Australia due to domestic and family violence.
It’s a sobering statistic—and one that is predicted to keep growing as more women require help and support in our community. But for the first time ever, Australian Parliament House will be lit orange to say “no” to gender-based violence, drawing attention to this critical issue.
Joining several other Canberra landmarks (including Old Parliament House, and the National Carillon) on Friday 25 November—the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—the lighting of the building will mark a visible shift in the Australian Government’s policies on gender, especially gender-based violence.
Organised by the Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast (ZCCB)—an international organisation with a mission to empower women through service and advocacy—the lighting of the landmarks form part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual campaign running from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, through to 10 December, which is Human Rights Day.
Joining Australian Parliament House, the ACT Government will be lighting rail stops, the Malcolm Fraser Bridge, and the Canberra Times fountain orange for the entire 16 days, paying tribute to those affected by domestic and family violence.
Calling for global action to increase awareness, promote advocacy, and create opportunities for discussion on challenges and solutions, this year the global theme of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is ‘UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls.’
Aiming to mobilise society to become activists for the prevention of violence against women, to stand in solidarity with women’s rights activists, and to support feminist movements around the world, it’s a reminder that violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations—and it remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma, and shame surrounding it.
To help spread awareness in Canberra, ZCCB will be organising a walk to view the illuminations beginning at Parliament House at 7: 30pm, concluding at the National Carillon as well as a ceremony at the conclusion of the 16 days.
On Saturday, 10 December, ZCCB will be ringing the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell once for each woman killed in Australia in 2022. The bell will also be rung to honour men, children, Indigenous Australians, and New Zealanders who have died.
There have been too many unnecessary deaths of women due to domestic violence this year in Australia. This is an opportunity for you to spread awareness of domestic and family violence, and to make sure no one is left behind.
For more information visit zontaclubcanberrabreakfast.org
