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Equality, kindness and respect are key messages Wellington Shire Council is promoting as part of global campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, held from 25 November-10 December.

Council has adopted the local campaign theme “Not blue, not pink, we are all unique - breaking the stereotypes that fuel family violence” and will be lighting up The Wedge and Clocktower in Sale in orange, the official colour of the campaign and a symbol of a brighter future.

Launched in 1991, the annual 16 Days of Activism campaign has been used worldwide to call for the elimination of gender-based violence and harassment.

Wellington Shire’s libraries will offer Storytime take-home packs, which will include colouring pages and bookmarks about equality, kindness and respect, as well as rhymes and poems about good manners and kindness.

Library displays will feature the picture books and junior non-fiction that address gender stereotypes and being respectful. The campaign colour orange will be incorporated into each display.  

There will also be teaching resources available for some of the picture books, and library activities that reinforce themes of respect and equality.

The 16 Days of Activism coincides with Respect Victoria’s Respect Women: Call It Out campaign. Wellington Shire’s libraries will be giving out “Respect is…” bookmarks and postcards, available in the libraries’ young adult areas and at the loans desk.  

For more information, visit 16dayscampaign.org.