Australia’s Battle Against Gender-Based Violence: Thousands Demand Tougher Laws and Action

Thousands of people gathered in cities across Australia to demand stricter laws on gender-based violence. This wave of rallies was sparked by a recent increase in violence against women, with the government reporting the death of one woman every four days this year. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as an “epidemic.”

The protesters in Sydney called for tougher criminal laws on gender-based violence, carrying signs with messages like “Respect” and “No more violence.” In Adelaide, around 3,000 people gathered to make their voices heard. Prime Minister Albanese announced his intention to attend a rally in Canberra to show solidarity with women across Australia in their fight against violence.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young in Adelaide called for a national emergency response to combat gender-based violence, highlighting the weariness among women who are told that not much can be done to address the issue. Protests are planned in other cities like Perth, Melbourne, Hobart, and Brisbane over the weekend. Gender-based violence remains a persistent problem in Australia, a country with a population of 26 million people. In 2021, there have been numerous gatherings to raise awareness of sexual abuse and misconduct in the country’s highest political offices.