Hundreds to march through Toowoomba CBD to protest ‘gendered violence’ against women

Toowoomba is one of dozens of cities hosting nationwide protests to call for change on violence against women.

Protesters holding placards march along Swanston Street in Melbourne, Saturday, June 22, 2019. A similar protest will be held on Monday in Toowoomba. (AAP Image/James Ross) NO ARCHIVING

Hundreds of Toowoomba women will march through the CBD on Monday as part of nationwide protests calling on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to combat gendered violence in parliament and across Australia.

Toowoomba is one of 36 cities across the nation hosting a Women’s March 4 Justice, with the local protest to start at Queens Park on Monday from noon.

It comes weeks after a number of women working in parliament came forward to report they were survivors of sexual assaults at the hands of colleagues.

Organiser Louise Noble said a number of the region’s top advocates would speak at the event.

“More than 200 locals have registered their interest in attending to help us send the message that when it comes to ending gendered violence, changing harmful attitudes, building equality and stopping violent acts, action must start at the very top,” Ms Noble said.

“In line with the apolitical, inclusive and respectful nature of this movement, we will have a diverse range of speakers including First Nations leaders, immigrant and refugee community members, LGBTQI+ representatives and people with disabilities.”

Demands from national co-ordinators include full independent investigations into all cases of gendered violence, fully implement the 55 recommendations in the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work 2020 report and lifting public funding for gendered violence prevention to world’s best practice.

To sign the petition, head to www.march4justice.nationbuilder.com.