16 Days of Activism 2024
16 Days of Activism is an international initiative established by the United Nations to raise awareness and encourage communities to take action to end gender-based violence.
The initiative runs from 25 November, which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, which is International Human Rights Day.
During the 16 Days, people around the world unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes, and call for improved laws and services to end gender-based violence for good.
The theme for 2024 is Respect Women: Call It Out.
Crochet Flower Project
The Crochet Flower Project is a shire-wide craft project where community members can crochet, wear and share orange flowers during 16 Days of Activism.
The project aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence, and remove stigma by encouraging conversations about respect, gender equality and the drivers of violence against women.
How to get involved
- Collect crochet kits from Castlemaine Civic Centre, Castlemaine Library, Castlemaine Community House or The Good Op Shop.
- Donate orange yarn and crochet hooks by dropping them off at the locations listed above.
- Crochet orange flowers which you can wear as a brooch, gift to family and friends, and drop-off at the collection points for others to enjoy.
- Wear and share your orange crochet flowers during 16 Days of Activism (25 November to 10 December).
Download a crochet flower pattern(PDF, 306KB)
or watch a How to crochet a flower video tutorial.
Support and resources
Information and resources on gender-based violence will also be available in the foyer of the Castlemaine Library throughout 16 Days of Activism.
If you need help or would like to speak with someone about concerns of violence in your life, there a number of resources are available:
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger, for police and ambulance.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing family violence, help is available:
Learn more at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Support.
More information
For more information about events and activities this year please contact Melissa Fowler, Council's Community Projects Officer, at m.fowler@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or download the What's On Mount Alexander(PDF, 1MB) poster.
For more information about 16 Days of Activism, or for ideas and resources on how to get involved please visit Safe and Equal.
16 Days of Activism is an initiative that Council has supported since 2018. Through involvement with Respect Victoria’s 'Respect: Call it Out' campaign, community and staff events have been delivered to raise awareness of gender-based violence and the link to gender equality.
Events
A number of community events will be running to support 16 Days of Activism including a vigil, a local light installation, an information and resources hub at the Castlemaine Library, and more.
Keep an eye on www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Events.