Sydney, Australia – Thousands of Australians took to the streets in cities across the country, including Sydney and Adelaide, to demand an end to violence against women. This wave of demonstrations follows a recent tragic stabbing incident at the Bondi Junction mall in Sydney, where six people, including five women, lost their lives. Additionally, the arrest of Australian actor Orpheus Pledger on charges of assaulting a woman has sparked further outrage among the public.
During the protests in Australian cities, participants carried signs bearing messages such as “Respect” and “Stop Violence Against Women.” In Sydney, around 3,000 individuals gathered at the city’s parliament building, calling for stricter laws to hold perpetrators of violence against women accountable.
Greens Party Senator Sarah Hanson-Young emphasized the urgent need for a “national emergency response” to address gender-based violence in Australia. She expressed frustration at the lack of concrete action to address the issue, stating that women are tired of hearing empty promises without meaningful change. Advocacy organization “What Were You Wearing” has called for three days of protests to draw attention to the 29 women who have lost their lives to violence in 2024.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of the center-left Labor Party voiced his support for the rallies and announced his intention to participate in the marches on Sunday. He condemned violence against women as an epidemic that demands urgent action, citing statistics that reveal a troubling frequency of such incidents. Albanese’s decision to join the demonstrations underscores the importance of addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in Australia.
In past years, Australians have mobilized against sexual violence and gender inequality, with protests held in numerous cities and towns nationwide. These movements aim to hold authorities accountable for addressing systemic issues that perpetuate violence and discrimination against women. The refusal of protesters to engage in closed-door meetings with government officials signals a demand for transparency and concrete steps to combat gender-based violence.
As marches continue in cities like Melbourne and Brisbane, the collective outcry against violence towards women highlights the growing momentum behind efforts to address systemic issues of gender-based violence. The solidarity displayed by participants reflects a shared commitment to creating a safer, more equitable society for all.