Welcome to the first AWAVA round-up for 2013! It’s set to be a busy year for AWAVA, and as always, we feel privileged to have our members and subscribers supporting us and our work every step of the way.
Our thoughts are with subscribers and members who have been affected by bushfires in NSW and Tasmania. We know that some of you have had tragic losses, or have had family members affected, and our hope for all of you is that you and yours are safe, and that your communities can make full recoveries.
In the news this week:
Around the Nation:
- ABC Online reports that GPs are at the frontline when it comes to reports of domestic and family violence
- In South Australia, this report says that intellectually disabled sexual assault victims/survivors are still being denied justice
- An update into the Royal Commission on Child Sexual abuse includes a special investigative unit, watch the Prime Minister’s announcement on Royal Commission Terms of Reference
- PM Newton, former detective in the NSW police, says that the key to ending rape is changing attitudes
Internationally:
- Most of you will have heard and read about the horrific sexual assault, rape and murder of a 23 year old woman in India, and the subsequent protests and demonstrations calling for change in India. This article looks at the domino effect this is having, as the protests spread into neighbouring countries, and more and more people demand an end to violence against women.
If you are looking for a way to help make a change in India, click here for the on-line petition
- Still in India, this report debunks the myth that ‘covering women will make them safer””
- The UN announces new sanctions against two armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo – these sanctions focus on ending crimes of sexual violence
- The Washington Post has published the “”saddest graph you’ll see today“” – which highlights the low conviction rates for rapists, see this article for a more detailed analysis of the infographic accuracy. You can also access the latest UK data on low convictions rates for sex crimes here
- In Tanzania, government ministers say community education is the key to end female genital mutilation
- Read this interesting ‘year in review’ from the UK 2012: The year it became OK to blame victims of sexual assault
- From the Maldives, news that a 15 year old young woman who was repeatedly raped is being charged with adultery has brought international attention – read the story and responses here
- The recent “”marriage”” of a 15 year old to a 90 year old man in Saudi Arabia has also received international condemnation
Get Involved!
A few ways you can get involved and make a difference
- Register to be a speaker with the Association of Women Educators (AWE), members of AWAVA. This is a valuable opportunity for individuals and organisations to promote their work and it is expected that speakers and consultants will promote a gender justice perspective in line with the AWE philosophy and mission
- Take the opportunity to comment on respectful relationships and gender equality programs in schools through the National Consultation for the Health and Physical Education Curriculum. Details of the consultation are on the ACARA website: http://consultation.australiancurriculum.edu.au/. The consultation closes on 18 April 2013
- Entries are now open for the EVAs – eliminating violence against women media awards
- Sign this online petition calling for gender justice in India. A second petition to strengthen sexual violence legislation and enforcement can be accessed here
Research, Reports and Resources
New Resources
Are you attending the Commission for the Status of Women this year (CSW57). This is a must-read: click here to access JERA International’s Australian NGO Guide to the Commission for the Status of Women, funded by the Federal Office for Women
Upcoming Events
New!!
- 13-15 May The White Ribbon International Conference is being held in Sydney, calls for papers close 5 February
- 25 – 28 August 8th Australasian Council of Women and Policing conference will be held in Adelaide . Calls for papers is currently open
January 2013
- Closing date extended until 31 January 2013 Still time to submit your abstracts for the Stand-Up! Eliminating All Forms of Violence Against CALD Women national conference, 28-30 April, Canberra
February
- 18- 20 February: The National Rural Women’s Coalition (NRWC)’s inaugural Conference being held in Canberra. You can get a discounted rate too – if you register 4 Gold delegates you get a free registration
March
- 21 March: Australian Women’s Coalition is calling young women between 18 – 30 years who live, study or work in Auburn, Bankstown, Liverpool or Coffs Harbour NSW, or in Canberra, ACT to be a part of SHOUT! A series of three free workshops will run in each location, complemented by an online network of support and skills-sharing and a local network of participants and AWC member organisations. The workshops will culminate in community events on Harmony Day next year, Find out more here
April
- 11-12 April: Registration is now open for the Child Aware Approaches Conference, Melbourne
- 28-30 April: The Australian Migrant and Refugee Women’s Alliance (AMaRWA) will be holding a 2 day national conference: Stand Up! Eliminating All Forms of Violence Against CALD Women, supported by AWAVA
- ‘Miss Representation’ Screening Tour: Women in Film & Television (WIFT) NSW are planning a series of screenings of ‘Miss Representation’ across Australia in 2012/13. If you are interested in hosting a screening of this film in partnership with WIFT NSW please email them
Internationally:
- 4-15 March 2013: 57th Session of the Commission for the Status of Women (CSW57), New York, priority theme: Eliminating and prevention all forms of violence against women and girls