Australia is facing a pressing issue with violence against women, which has been described as an “epidemic” by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Thousands of people gathered in cities across the country to demand stricter laws on gender-based violence, following a recent increase in violence against women and a tragic mass shooting that claimed the lives of six people, five of whom were women.
In Sydney, protesters 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 in front of the city’s parliament building to make their voices heard. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young spoke at the rally in Adelaide, calling for a national emergency response to combat gender-based violence. She highlighted the weariness among women who are told that not much can be done to address the issue.
The protests are part of a wave of rallies that have been taking place across Australia over the past few months. Prime Minister Albanese announced his intention to attend a rally in Canberra to show solidarity with women across Australia in their fight against violence. He emphasized the urgent need to address the epidemic of violence against women and vowed to do better.
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. The issue continues to be a major concern for many Australians, who are calling for greater action and accountability from their leaders.