Dressed in bright orange, residents, councillors, community groups, and Victoria Police filled Lakeside Lake, waving posters and releasing balloons into the evening breeze to demand an end to violence against women.
The symbolic walk led by Inner Wheel (IW) of Pakenham, marked the start of the United Nations (UN) Orange the World campaign.
The 16 day initiative began on 25 November, the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women’, and will conclude on 10 December, ‘Human Rights Day’.
The UN has chosen orange to represent hope and a future free of violence, inspiring Cardinia Shire Council to illuminate the Cultural Centre in orange each evening during the 16 day campaign.
Last year, IW members, clubs, and districts worldwide made a significant impact with the UN’s Orange the World initiative, raising awareness of the need to stop violence against women and girls.
World President of International IW Kay Morland said “we’ve come too far to stop now and there is so much more to be done”.
“IW members around the world are stepping up to lead by example, turning compassion into action and silence into advocacy,” she said.
“IW clubs across more than 100 countries will stand together in solidarity…walking, running, illuminating landmarks, hosting awareness events and wearing orange.”
Survivor advocate Rosie Batty warned “it’s not a problem that is going to be solved by one woman nor indeed by one government advisory panel or panel”.
“It’s a whole of society problem that requires a whole of society solution,” she said.
President of IWC of Pakenham, Alwyn Williams said there are many things Inner Wheel clubs across the world support, each country with different needs but “the one issue that affects all clubs in all countries, in some way some or other, is gender-based violence”.
Former Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik brought the focus closer to home.
“This evening’s walk is a clear declaration that violence in any form should have no place in our community and unfortunately, the harsh reality is that it does,” he warned the crowd.
“That’s a choice that people make and that’s a choice that we can make to say no,” he told the crowd.
“Every step we take together is part of sending that strong message that we can create change.”
Kowarzik acknowledged the council’s ongoing work with local organisations, advocates, and support services to assist those affected by family violence.
“The services and the support coming after the fact (incident) are great, but prevention is really where we need to get to,” he said.
“So as part of that prevention, that means challenging harmful attitudes and promoting equality and respect from an early age.”
Locals can also catch Inner Wheel’s symbolic walk on the Something Big podcast, led by David Farrelly.
