16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue at the local, national, regional and international level.

In the lead up to this campaign, the Canberra ActionAid Group is hosting a special panel discussion event that will bring together local Canberra activists from a range of fields to share their stories and experiences of activism. What inspires their activism? How they practice their activism? And importantly, how they make an impact?

Panellists:

Jharna Chamlagai, ANU Ethnocultural Department: Jharna is the secretary of the ANU Ethnocultural Department, which advocates for people of colour. She is the Ethnocultural Officer for 2018. Jharna is also one of the founders of the student radio show’ Oh, But Where Are You Really From?’ which discusses race and culture. 

Heidi Zajak, YWCA Canberra:  Heidi is a Community Development Worker specialised in working with people on the Autism Spectrum, and in the field of gender equality. Heidi co-hosts the feminist podcast, OverHERd, with Catherine Russell, featuring women discussing gender equality and analysis of news and current affairs. She has volunteered in Timor Leste (East Timor) and since established social enterprise, Cooking Circles, for women and girls in Canberra. Heidi is a recipient of the Edna Ryan Award for Activism. 

Barbara O’Dwyer, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom: Barbara has spent 27 years working in the Australian Government aid agency, AusAID (now part of the Department of Foreign Affairs). She was a foundation member of the Women’s Electoral Lobby in 1972. Barbara also played an active role in the development of the Australian National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2012‐2018 (NAP) and organised the Australia‐wide NGO Forum on UNSCR 1325 and the NAP in February 2013. Barbara is currently the President of WILPF.

RSVP here to save a seat!

Find out more on the Facebook event page.