High community turnout at Respect Bendigo Forum is creating a movement for change.
What could a Bendigo Saturation Model to reduce gendered violence look like? That was one of the biggest questions discussed at the Respect Bendigo Forum last month.
Hosted by the Gender Equity Coalition (GEC), the forum brought together a wide cross section of individuals, workplaces and community groups in Bendigo to hear from Respect Victoria, a primary prevention agency focused on preventing family violence and violence against women before it happens by addressing drivers of gender inequity.
Sharing details on Respect Ballarat’s journey in the wake of the deaths of Samantha Murphy, Rebecca Young and Hannah McGuire, the forum heard how the community came together in support of the initiative’s vision, the challenges they’ve faced as well as what they’ve learned along the way.
It was an inspiring day filled with hope and collaboration, said GEC Chair Mandy Hutchinson.
“The presence of so many people from so many different organisations and groups across Bendigo really reflected the shared commitment everyone has toward creating real change when it comes to gender equity and reducing violence against women,” said Mandy.
“Gender equity isn’t simply about fairness. It is one of the most effective ways we can prevent violence against women and create healthier, stronger communities for everyone.”
The room heard from Respect Victoria’s CEO Helen Bolton on the works that align with Respect Ballarat; Manager & Coordinator of Prevention Emma Mahony on what was involved in engaging the community; while Director for Strategy, Policy and Impact Jacquie O’Brien gave an evaluation of Respect Ballarat and what lay ahead for it.
The number and breadth of different organisations and agencies represented - together we can achieve so much if we pool resources and ideas.
Other highlights from the day included hearing what gender equity work was already being done locally by organisations like Zonta Bendigo, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee and the Greater Bendigo against Family Violence Committee; a panel conversation primarily focusing on the Respect Ballarat Model and what that could look like in Bendigo; as well as breakout discussion groups where participants workshopped ideas and initiatives that could support each of the GEC’s priority areas.
“The amount of engagement to what is a whole community issue was incredible to be part of,” said GEC Project Worker Alice Henderson.
“Our priority areas are about engaging men and boys in gender equity, celebrating and creating inclusive leadership in workplaces and community spaces and how to promote and communicate about the GEC and our initiatives.
“They received a lot of attention and fantastic feedback. There was a lot of talk about how we can potentially combine resources, ways to reach further into the community and ideas on how we can all collaborate effectively to have maximum impact.”
The forum was so well received that the GEC has gained 35 new individual members and two organisations, Alice said.
“With such a cross section of the community being inspired to join our push for gender equity I’m excited to see what initiatives we can develop for the community to get behind,” she said.
Mandy agreed with Alice, adding:
“The forum was about building momentum, about gaining a deeper understanding of the role each of us can play, and how to have the confidence to have conversation that challenge attitudes and create change,” she said.
“Real change happens when we work together. Ending gender-based violence isn’t the responsibility of one organisation or one sector. It is a movement, and movements are built by people coming together with courage, compassion and a shared commitment to doing better.”
To join the Gender Equity Coalition visit the web page here Gender Equity Coalition – BCHS
