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Join Us for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
From 10 November to 10 December, we invite you to take part in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a powerful global campaign aimed at ending violence against women and girls. This annual initiative calls for action to raise awareness, promote education, and advocate for the rights and safety of women worldwide.
This year, the City of Parramatta Council is proud to champion the message “Invest in Her.” This theme underscores the importance of financial independence as a key driver for preventing violence against women. We know that by equipping women with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to achieve financial stability, we can prevent violence and promote a safer, more equitable community for everyone.
Invest Her- Together Towards a Brighter Future
(Back to top)We invite you to join us in this important cause. Participate in our events, engage with our resources, and spread the word about the significance of investing in women.
Let’s make a collective effort to advocate for change, support one another, and create a society where every woman can achieve her full potential.
In support of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we are proud to illuminate PHIVE, our civic building at Parramatta Square, in orange. This marks our continued commitment to raising awareness and taking action to eliminate gender-based violence.
The Importance of Women's Participation in the Workforce
(Back to top)Women's workforce participation is a crucial indicator of social and economic progress. Globally, Australia ranks 43rd in the 2023 Status of Women Report Card highlighting significant challenges in gender equality, with the nation ranking 43rd internationally, a decline from 15th in 2006.
From a Western Sydney perspective, the top five barriers that impact women’s participation in the workforce include:
- Impact of having children
- Housework and home duties
- Low income or loss of super
- Gender pay gap
- Discrimination and bias
These challenges show how difficult it can be for women to balance work and family life. The extra responsibilities at home, along with lower pay and workplace bias, often hold women back from advancing in their careers and achieving financial security. To learn more, visit here.
How Can you get involved
(Back to top)- Support the 16 Days of Activism Campaign- Attend the Events
- Support Women in the Workforce- If you are an employer there are many steps you can do to attract, recruit, retain women in the workplace.
‘Employing and Supporting Women in Your Workplace’ - The site offers free self-assessment tools and resources for businesses looking to improve the way they work.
- Childcare and Caring Responsibilities are for everyone
- At Home - Share the mental and physical load of caring for household, children and family. Here are some ways to address the mental and physical load of caring: More Information
- At Work - Flexible workplace policies for men and women, improve workplace retention and support everyone to care for families. More Information
We are proud to highlight local organisations that support women in our community. Here are a few key players dedicated to making a difference:
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Cumberland Women’s Health Centre is a local Parramatta service for women run by women. The service provides counselling as well as domestic and family violence services for women. The services are free or low cost.
Contact: 9689 3044
Visit Website -
SpeakOut offers information, support, and referral services to culturally and linguistically diverse women who are experiencing domestic and family violence, who are or are on the verge of being homeless.
Contact: 9635 8022
Visit Website -
Parramatta Women's Shelter supports new beginnings for women and children who need a safe place to stay. They provide crisis accommodation and outreach support to women and children escaping domestic & family violence and homelessness, and specialise in housing larger families.
Visit Website
Our tool kits are designed to provide practical resources for women in various situations. They may include:
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Tools for budgeting, saving, and financial planning.
Commonwealth Bank have a financial hub and resources to build literacy and knowledge
More Information -
Information on creating a safety plan for women experiencing violence.
Here is a great resource for safety planning.
More Information -
Information on local events that promote skill-building and empowerment.
Cumberland Women’s Health Centre offers a range of workshops and events
More Information
Support Pathways
(Back to top)If you are experiencing family violence, are concerned for your safety, or find yourself in an emergency situation, please call 000 for immediate assistance. Your safety is our top priority.
For ongoing support and confidential advice, we encourage you to reach out to our recommended specialist support services. You can find their details here.
Be Part of the Conversation
(Back to top)We want to hear from you! How has this website been useful to you? Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to better serve our community. Share your comments and let us know how the Council can best reach out to women’s concerns in our LGA. Feedback will be reviewed annually to help develop programs and projects that address existing issues.
Last Year’s Video
(Back to top)Check out last year’s video that captures the essence of our mission and the voices of women in our community. Watch here to see how we’ve made strides together.
Together, let’s invest in her. Together, we can create a safer and more empowered community for all women.
