16 Days of Activism – Raising awareness about violence against women and gender based violence

16 Days of Activism – Raising awareness about violence against women and gender based violence

25 November 2019 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and marks day one of the 16 Days of Activism.

Each year, from 25 November to 10 December, World Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism campaign calls for action against one of the world’s most persistent violations of human rights – violence against women.

During the 16 Days of Activism, people around the world will unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women for good.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Family, domestic and sexual violence is a major national health and welfare issue that can have lifelong impacts for victims and perpetrators. It affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds, but predominantly affects women and children. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2016 Personal Safety Survey (PSS) estimated that 2.2 million adults have been victims of physical and/or sexual violence from a partner since the age of 15 (ABS 2017c).

• 1 in 6 women, and 1 in 16 men have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or previous partner since the age of 15.
• 1 in 5 women, and 1 in 20 men have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15
• 1 woman is killed every 9 days and 1 man is killed every 29 days by a partner

“Family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia: continuing the national story 2019” – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

At Konica Minolta, we know that violence has a resounding impact on families and communities and while most often domestic violence is experienced by women, men and children are also victims and targets of abuse which can be physical, verbal or financial.

With a zero tolerance of gender-based harassment and discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace, Konica Minolta’s workplace policies include a Domestic and Family Violence policy that provides paid leave and support for both victims and perpetrators who are committed to getting help.  

Through our community partnerships we support Women’s Legal Services QLD which provides legal help for women in Queensland with domestic violence, complex family law and sexual assault notes counselling privilege matters.

And with our charity partner Project Futures we provide support for young girls and women in Cambodia who have been affected by sex trafficking, exploitation and abuse. Our employees are invited to join a corporate immersion trip each year where we’re able to understand first hand these issues and how our support is making a difference, and to let these girls know we care.