Reflecting on the Women’s March 4 Justice
Four years have passed since the Women’s March 4 Justice made waves at Parliament House in Canberra and across Australia. However, the issues that sparked this movement remain as pertinent as ever, underscored by the recent by-election for the seat of Prahran.
A Community Candidate’s Stand
As a community candidate in Prahran, I am stepping up to fill the void left by the Greens’ local member, Sam Hibbins, who resigned following the revelation of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
Confronting Persistent Issues
Questions loom large: Why does this behavior continue? What message isn’t reaching men? Sexual misconduct and violence are deeply rooted in Australian society, and we deserve leaders who model better standards.
The Impact of March4Justice
The March4Justice stands as a turning point in history, having mobilized the largest women’s march Australia has ever witnessed. Tens of thousands participated in over 55 rallies nationwide, driven by a refusal to remain silent.
Demand for Safety and Justice
The unacceptable handling of the rape case involving Brittany Higgins, where Justice Lee concluded, “Mr. Lehrmann raped Ms. Higgins,” reverberated throughout the nation. If women cannot find safety in what should be Australia’s most secure institution, then where can they?
Challenges Persist
Despite Malcolm Turnbull’s “Bonk Ban” aimed at curbing sexual misconduct, incidents involving high-ranking officials continue to surface, reported by diligent journalists.
We Still Demand Change
Fast forward four years, and the warnings echoed during our marches—demanding justice and an end to inequality driving violence against women—remain urgent. Who listens?
Recognizing the Unheard
Not the men responsible for the tragic murders of 101 women in the past year nor the political leaders who misconstrue power dynamics as consensual. Not the State Liberal Party, which recently appointed four men as leaders while women continue to face violence. Federal Labor has yet to fulfill all 52 recommendations from the Jenkins report aimed at safeguarding women in their workplaces.
Voices from the Margins
Who hears the voices of women reaching out with stories of abuse, workplace harassment, fears of homelessness, and the struggle to provide for their families? It is the marginalized groups who bear the brunt of restrictive policies, caught in the throes of a national housing crisis and the escalating effects of climate change.
The Power of Community
As the founder of March4Justice, I believe in the potential of small actions to yield significant change. When communities unite, real progress can happen.
Amplifying Community Voices
When change stems from communities advocating for one another, we can create safer spaces and legislate with intention through attentive listening. Community independents prioritize their constituents over party lines, reinforcing democracy, which is truly participatory.
A Call for Accountability
Let us not forget that a young woman, raped in what should be Australia’s safest venue, continues to navigate the legal system, battling not her assailant but a former politician. It’s time to challenge the entrenched political system and elevate community-driven leadership. The events in Prahran highlight the urgency of this need.
