The Geelong community will rally next weekend to say no to violence against women following the killing of Kara Jade Weribone in Toowoomba last week.
The She Matter Stop Killing Women Rally at Market Square Mall in Geelong’s CBD next Saturday will be one of 12 events across Australia.
Ms Weribone’s death is the 12th incident of gendered violence this year, and the 113th since January 1 last year, according to rally organising body Australian Femicide Watch.
Local event coordinator and rally emcee Rachel Bishop is a community member who has volunteered to help organise events raising awareness of gendered violence since April last year.
She said while public support for the cause was strong – the Geelong rally in April last year drew more than 5000 people – there had been a disappointing lack of action from state and federal government.
“Unfortunately we haven’t seen a lot of change since (last year); at this rate, we’re on track again to have another bad year, if not worse than last year, with regard to gendered violence, specifically women who have been killed,” Ms Bishop said.
“As we’re seeing this trend continuing once again we feel it’s important to stand up and still be here, still raise awareness.
“There are women living in unsafe homes, working in unsafe workplaces, living on the street, who have fled domestic violence and they’re trying to get help. They’re fighting for their lives.
“It’s our duty to make sure that the powers that be take that as a serious issue, a national crisis. So we’re standing together with the rest of the country to make one big statement.”
The event will feature speakers including advocates and women with lived experience, followed by a short march around Market Square and concluding with a closing address back in the mall.
Ms Bishop invited all community members to attend the rally.
The She Matters Stop Killing Women Rally will be at Market Square Mall at 10.30am on Saturday, March 15.
Matt Hewson
