YWCA Canberra is calling on Canberrans to join women's groups in a rally on the lawns of Parliament House this Friday, to commemorate the lives of women who have died so far this year as a result of gender-based violence. 

Labor Member for Fraser, Andrew Leigh, will join YWCA Canberra Executive Director Frances Crimmins, to speak at the rally on the topic of what more can be done to eliminate the scourge of domestic violence from our communities.

In partnership with the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Toora Women Inc., Doris Women's Refuge and Beryl Women Inc., YWCA Canberra is calling on women and men to assemble on the lawns of Parliament House.

There will be a moment of silence for each woman who has lost her life as a result of violence this year.

In addition, there will be five key requests for action:

• Adequate resourcing to provide access to respectful relationships education for all young people in Australia.
• Better resourcing for frontline services
• Access to gender-aware crisis and other housing support for women escaping domestic violence
• Ensure specialist women's legal services have access to adequate and ongoing funding to provide support to women fleeing domestic violence.
• That funding for domestic violence is responsive to the needs of diverse and marginalised groups. 

The rally is part of YWCA Canberra's campaign supporting the global 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence. In addition to Friday's rally, YWCA Canberra has hosted a screening of the documentary Call Me Dad, followed by an expert panel discussion; and Ms Crimmins last week called on ACT businesses to introduce paid Domestic Violence Leave, as a practical and meaningful way for employers to support employees experiencing violence.

YWCA Canberra has also coordinated a social media campaign using the #16 Days hashtag.

Note: Coalition leaders have also been invited to take part in Friday's rally.