General News
2 December, 2025
16-day campaign launched
THE Loddon’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign started in Boort on Tuesday.
A morning tea in the Boort District Health cafe was well attended ahead of community activities and school engagement events.
Speakers included Sgt Ben Huisman, Nicolette Stableford from Orange Door, Josh King from Ambulance Victoria, Dr Chris Olise at Boort Medical Clinic and BDH deputy chair Greg Curry.
Representatives from Northern District Health, the school and the BDH Ladies‘ Auxiliary also joined staff and aged care residents.
A community walk around Little Lake Boort was held yesterday.
BDH acting CEO Murbak Mohammad said the morning tea was a positive start to the annual awareness program in the community.
Inglewood and Districts Health Service will hold a community walk on December 8 from the town hall to the hospital.
The international campaign was started by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991. It begins each year on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and runs until Human Rights Day.
The aim is to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
Internationally, the UN Women 2025 theme for 16 Days of Activism is UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.
Respect Victoria says Increased understanding that young people have the right to decide when and how their image is taken, altered and shared might help prevent gendered violence.
Deanne Carson, CEO of Body Safety Australia said: “When children and the adults around them understand that their image is theirs to control, they’re better equipped to challenge harmful gender norms and speak up when boundaries are crossed.
“This helps prevent the kinds of behaviours that can escalate into image-based abuse or gendered violence later in life,” she said.
A report released by Respect last month ahead of the 16 Days campaign showed that research also highlighted how social media algorithms and gendered online content influence young people’s beliefs and behaviours.