Sydney, Australia was the epicenter of nationwide marches on Saturday, as Australians across the country took to the streets to demand an end to violence against women. The rallies, which also took place in cities like Adelaide, were fueled by recent tragic events, including a stabbing attack at the Bondi Junction mall that resulted in the deaths of six people, including five women. Adding to the urgency of the protests was the arrest of Australian actor Orpheus Pledger on charges of assaulting a woman after a three-day manhunt.
Protesters in cities like Sydney and Adelaide gathered with signs bearing powerful messages like “Respect” and “Stop Violence Against Women.” In Sydney alone, an estimated 3,000 individuals congregated at the city’s parliament building to advocate for stricter laws to hold perpetrators of violence towards women accountable. The demonstrations were a united call for action to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in Australia.
Greens Party Senator Sarah Hanson-Young echoed the sentiments of many at the rallies, emphasizing the urgent need for a “national emergency response” to combat gender-based violence in the country. She underscored the frustration felt by women who are tired of being told that not much can be done to address the issue. The advocacy organization “What Were You Wearing” also called for three days of protests, highlighting the staggering statistic that 29 women had been killed by violent men in 2024.
The marches were not just limited to Sydney and Adelaide, as other major Australian cities like Melbourne and Brisbane were also expected to see demonstrations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a member of the center-left Labor Party, threw his support behind the rallies and announced his participation in the marches on Sunday. Albanese emphasized the urgent need to do better in combatting violence against women, framing it as an epidemic that demands immediate attention.
Albanese’s commitment to walk alongside women in solidarity against gender-based violence reflects a growing national conversation on the issue. In 2021, Australians rallied in over 40 cities and towns against sexual violence and gender inequality, sparking important conversations and pushing for change. The ongoing protests underscore the collective demand for meaningful action and accountability in addressing societal norms that perpetuate violence against women.