Unfortunately, due to the circumstances surrounding Covid-19 and density quota regulations we are unable to hold a face-to-face Walk for Women this year. In the face of adversity and with desire to enact positive practical change we have re-evaluated the way in which the walk will operate this year and thus there will be a “virtual walk”. This means that the walk can be undertaken with family members or a small group of friends in a chosen environment of choice because we cannot host a formal event this year in light of Covid-19 restrictions. All donations will be equally split between White Ribbon Australia and UN Women Australia, we made a decision this year to expand the breadth of organisations to whom we will donate. This is to ensure that women from varied backgrounds will have adequate support both abroad and in our national community (more information below).
In essence students, staff members and families will all be asked to walk 4km in the allocated time slot on the 5th of August between 4-6pm and find a sponsor (they may also sponsor themselves). The sponsor will make a donation below and this money will be directly donated to the two organisations that are listed above, any amount (small or large) is welcome and can make a profound impact. When making a donation sponsors are encouraged to leave a message to whom they donated and explain why they chose to do so or leave some words of encouragement for those undertaking the walk (this is optional).
White Ribbon Australia
With core values of accountability, collaboration, diversity and humility White Ribbon Australia visions “a nation where every woman is free from all forms of men’s violence and abuse”. White Ribbon Australia’s work is evidence based and supported by national and international studies which makes their ethos both reliable and effective. They engage in a number of prevention strategies to mitigate gendered violence including school and workplace programs, establishing frameworks and standards via government policy, behavioural change programs for abusive men and even child protection responses. All of which are designed to cultivate an Australia where women and young girls feel safe. Statistics tell us one in two women have experienced sexual harassment, that family violence or violence imposed by an intimate partner is a leading cause of injury and that on average one woman a week is killed by her intimate male partner. Money donated to White Ribbon Australia can assist in actualising practical change to our current predicament.
United Nations Women Australia
United Nations Women Australia is a registered charity body based in Australia to raise funds and awareness of work being undertaken across the Pacific and around the world. Their focus areas are expanding women’s leadership participation, ending violence against women and girls, ending poverty through enhancing women’s economic empowerment and responding to crises, building peace and resilience, with women’s needs and talents at the centre of disaster planning and response. UN Women works in close consultation with community leaders and governments to shape effective policies and programs. Money donated to UN Women Australia will help ensure underprivileged women around the world have the opportunity to “lead, learn and earn a decent living free of violence and discrimination”.