Thousands Rally Across Australia Urging Tougher Laws on Gendered Violence

Thousands Rally Across Australia Against Gendered Violence

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared violence against women as an “epidemic” in Australia, as thousands of people gathered in rallies in major cities across the country demanding tougher laws on gendered violence.

The rallies were sparked by a recent wave of violence against women, with the government reporting a woman being killed every four days this year. The demonstrations also come in the wake of a tragic mass stabbing in Sydney that claimed the lives of six people, including five women.

In Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, protesters gathered for a rally and march that closed city streets, carrying signs that read “Respect” and “No More Violence.” In Adelaide, around 3,000 people rallied at the city’s parliament building.

Prime Minister Albanese announced his participation in a rally in the national capital Canberra on Sunday, stating on social media platform X, “I will walk with women across Australia to say enough is enough. Violence against women is an epidemic. We must do better.”

Greens Party Senator Sarah Hanson-Young in Adelaide called for a “national emergency response” to address the issue, expressing frustration over the lack of action. Similar protests were planned in state capitals Perth, Melbourne, Hobart, and Brisbane over the weekend.

Gender-based violence remains a persistent issue in Australia, a nation of 26 million people. In 2021, tens of thousands protested allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct in the country’s highest political offices.

The rallies highlight the urgent need for stronger measures to combat gendered violence and ensure the safety and well-being of women across Australia.

(Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Tom Hogue)

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