Taking action and taking care of ourselves
It can be rewarding to be an activist to promote gender equality and end violence against women. But it can also be challenging.
For many male allies joining the campaign this year, you might feel some discomfort learning about the content. This is common and can be an important step in developing your awareness of privilege.
For others who have been doing this work for a long time and are affected daily by gender inequality, it’s important to look after your health and wellbeing during the campaign. We sometimes call this ‘self-care’.
- Remember that ending violence against women is long-term work.
- Seek help if you need it.
- Set boundaries on when you will talk about gender equality and ending violence against women.
- Set boundaries around times you will discuss gender equality and ending violence against women on social media.
- Set boundaries on when you will read books, watch films and TV shows, or listen to music that is about gender inequality or violence against women.
- Make time for things you enjoy that are not related to gender inequality or violence against women. This might include books, hobbies, exercise.
- Look after your health. This might include sleep, nutrition, physical activity.
- Stay in regular contact with your family, friends and community.
- Feel proud that you are part of the movement to end violence against women.
We can do this, but only if we do it together – and look after ourselves.
Keep up the great work, fellow 16 Days Activists!
Visit the Help section of this website if you need further support. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, you can direct them to the Help section.
If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 000.