13 July, 2021

New campaign to call out violence against women

Some of South Australia’s most prominent identities are supporting a new City of Adelaide campaign to stamp out sexist attitudes and behaviours and stop violence against women before it starts.

The City of Adelaide is proud to launch its new safety campaign ‘I’m Not Ok With That: Step Up For Gender Equality’.

The #ImNotOkWithThat campaign asks people to become active bystanders in public, with the aim of promoting positive and respectful behaviour to increase women’s safety in our Adelaide community.

More than 20 South Australian identities will champion the cause, including Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor, who wants to encourage people to call out offensive behaviour.

“There is never an excuse for violence against women and I am not okay with women experiencing abuse, discrimination or harassment in our community in any shape or form,” said the Lord Mayor. “Be an active bystander and stand with women to make our city safe and welcoming for all.”

This new campaign continues the City of Adelaide’s strong focus on delivering a safer city, which is respectful and equitable.

City of Adelaide Councillor and domestic violence campaigner Arman Abrahimzadeh OAM is one of the identities involved and says it is particularly important people stand up and be heard.

“This campaign is about primary prevention and we’ve got to do everything we can to stop violence from occurring,” said Cr Abrahimzadeh.

“I’m urging everyone to take an active role in society. Casual sexism is not ok. Sexist jokes are not ok.

Derogatory attitudes can drive violence against women and together we can stamp it out.”

Other Champions include: Premier Steven Marshall, Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas, radio host Lehmo, Kaurna Elder Rosemary Wanganeen and Committee for Adelaide CEO Bruce Djite.

The campaign runs until December 2021 and will involve a number of activities that engage the Adelaide community in promoting women’s safety and preventing violence against women including:

• Bystander Action Workshops: Free workshops offered to the community, local businesses, hospitality workers and venues to give people the tools, understanding and confidence to safely challenge sexism and inequality where they see or hear it.

• #ImNotOkWithThat poster campaign: Featuring prominent South Australians sharing messages of support for preventing violence against women through positive bystander action.

• Revamp and relocation of Women’s Safety Mural: Painted by local artist Ella Simpson, this vibrant mural is located on the TAFE SA wall at Morphett Street and encourages people to consider the steps we can all take to ensure women feel safe and respected in public spaces.

For more information on the campaign visit: cityofadelaide.com.au/gender-equality

Jack Berketa