Across Australia, communities have come together to demand an end to male violence against women, while also commemorating those women who have tragically lost their lives.
In at least 14 cities, demonstrators have united under the banner of Australian Femicide Watch and The Red Heart campaign, calling for increased funding and necessary legal reforms from both state and federal governments to combat male violence toward women.
Sherele Moody, the founder of both the Red Heart campaign and Femicide Watch, emphasized that gender-based violence is primarily an issue that men must address. “Look at the crowd here — it’s predominantly women,” she remarked during a rally in Melbourne.
Sherele Moody at the Melbourne rally. (ABC News)
“Women are the ones organizing marches, creating shelters, and raising funds; it’s women who work to extract others from perilous situations. The men, on the other hand, are largely absent from this movement,” she noted.
Moody insisted that all levels of government must understand the urgency of addressing this pressing issue by allocating more funds and enhancing policies and services. “Too many women are falling through the cracks,” she stated emphatically.
“There is not enough money for this problem.”
Activists Say More Action Needed from Politicians
The Australian Femicide Watch monitors every reported case of women and children murdered through homicide, manslaughter, or neglect in the country. According to their records, 103 Australian women and 16 children lost their lives in 2024, while the current count for 2025 stands at 14 women and four children.
“We feel that politicians in Australia are not doing enough to address the femicide crisis. These protests aim to raise awareness about the issue and compel politicians to act,” remarked Lee Eylon, an attendee at the rally in Melbourne. “As a survivor of assault, this issue is profoundly personal to me. It’s heartbreaking to see the list of names grow longer; it weighs heavily on my heart as a woman in this country.”
Another participant, Dot Surmon, traveled from Killawarra, Victoria, to the Melbourne event. She expressed concern about her daughters and niece, saying, “I want to ensure they are not the next victims, nor do I want any strangers to face the same fate.”
Concerns Over Coverage and Participation
In Sydney, rally organizer Eva Akyol expressed dismay at the sparse turnout and criticized “performative activism” from influential feminists who did not participate. “Why are there only 100 of us here? Where are all the vocal online feminists?” Ms. Akyol lamented to the group in Hyde Park.
As the names of victims were read aloud, the predominantly female assembly bowed their heads, paying tribute to those who had perished. One of the few male participants held a sign that read: “Respect means understanding that violence against women is a men’s issue.”
Ms. Akyol challenged the media’s approach to reporting domestic violence deaths, suggesting that more focus is placed on the deaths of educated white women, or the so-called “ideal victims.” She remarked, “Jill Meagher received more media coverage than countless other women will ever receive.”
Rallies Unite Families in Grief
In Hobart, participants gathered at Franklin Square to honor the lives lost to violence and to demand action. Among the speakers was Romany Wake, who lost her mother Rachel to domestic violence at the hands of her ex-husband in 2021.
Romany spoke about her deep sorrow but expressed how her mother’s spirit continues to inspire her to advocate for change. “She lives on in my heart and spirit, empowering me to use my voice without fear,” said Ms. Wake.
A powerful message shown at the rally in Hobart. (ABC News: Megan Whitfield)
Participants standing in a powerful moment of remembrance. (ABC News: Megan Whitfield)
Actions Needed in Remote Communities
In Roebourne, a small town in north-west Western Australia, approximately 20 people took to the streets in a rally led by Ngarluma woman Sam Walker. They commemorated the women lost to violence since 2024 and called for a dedicated women’s space to foster community strength.
Women’s voices echoed in their call for community safety and empowerment. (ABC News: Charlie McLean)
Support from Men Encouraged
In Port Macquarie, NSW, rally organizers and survivors of gendered violence, Ella Sorenson and Charlotte Schrader, emphasized the importance of men joining the fight against violence. “We need as many men as possible to step up and help the women and children in their lives obtain justice and equality,” stated Ms. Schrader.
Notably, Curls and Colleen Hawkins marched in solidarity for their two daughters, sharing their concerns about the impact of violence. “We’ve had one daughter who has faced violence…it’s disheartening to witness how one individual can control another’s life,” Ms. Hawkins reflected.
