Soroptimist International Goulburn participated in the Annual Goulburn Walk Against Domestic and Family Violence, Goulburn businesses, community organizations, NSW Police, and high schools march up Auburn Street to Belmore Park. The event aimed to raise community awareness and show support for those impacted by violence. According to Toni Reay, Director of Social and Affordable Housing & Domestic Violence Services for Anglicare, a woman or child has died every 4 days in Australia in 2024 due to domestic and family violence. Over 60 women this year who’s lives were cut short due to violence. This is a critical issue in our communities that requires attention. One in three women and one in 16 men experience domestic and family violence. Soroptimists aim to be part of the solution and help in the prevention of violence. Photos from Jim Webb & Kim Watson.
SI Region of Malaysia in collaboration with YWCA Malaysia, the Girl Guides of Kuala Lumpur and YWCA Kuala Lumpur had a heartfelt Unite Walk to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Girls for a 2km walk through ChinaTown in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Soroptimist International President Siew Yong Gnanalingam and SISEAP President Joanne Yeoh joined 160 participants in the advocacy event which also included a Panel Discussion on Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls.
The event featured the esteemed guest of honour, YB Teresa Kok, Member of Parliament Seputeh. President Joanne passionately expressed, "We stand united with women and girls worldwide to eliminate violence. By engaging our communities, we raise awareness and advocate to end gender-based violence".
During the 16 Days of Activism campaign, organisations globally, from international human rights agencies to grassroots communities, come together to strengthen the activism of campaigners everywhere. Break the silence, Stop the violence!
SI Griffith in partnership with Linking Communities Network and the Griffith Local Domestic Violence Committee held their inaugural Memorial Vigil to remember the women and children killed in domestic and family violence incidents this year. At one point during the hour long silent vigil, held on 29 November, we were welcomed to Country by a Wiradjuri elder, Dot Watts, followed by very short addresses by our local state MP Helen Dalton, Mayor Doug Curran and representatives from LCN and Soroptimists. Soroptimists in action to UNITE against gender based violence.
SI Townsville Breakwater, led a very active 16 Days of Activism yarn bombing parks and the main street of Townsville, orange everywhere, raises a visual awareness to the actions of Soroptimist to raise issues and advocate for an end to gender based violence. They also held a workshop to highlight to individuals and organisations how difficult and complex it is for victims of domestic violence to seek help.
Soroptimist International is a global movement of women, with members belonging to more than 3,000 clubs in 126 countries/territories, spread over 5 Federations
