‘Enough is enough’ and ‘herstory is the truth’ are the phrases that defined our collective fight for equality, justice and safety for women in Australia this past year. Joined by communities across Australia and empowered by survivors who were brave enough to tell their story, WAGEC, on the weekend before International Women’s Day 2021, marched the streets of Sydney, Gadigal Land, to call for the end of violence against women in all its forms. As we marched, strengthened by the generations of women who came before us, two questions permeated: was change finally coming? Should we feel overwhelmed or hopeful at the enormous task at hand?
For 44 years WAGEC has worked to support women and children impacted by domestic and family violence, homelessness, and systemic disadvantage. Community collaboration has always been important in creating the necessary networks to support this work. This past year, we have focused our attention on these community networks to address the gendered drivers of violence and to stop violence happening in the first place. For WAGEC the enthusiasm of our community to join the movement to end gender-based violence in a generation keeps us hopeful. We know we are stronger together and this year’s 2020-21 Annual Report is a reflection of that.
