Tens of thousands of women protested across Australia against s.e.xual violence and gender inequality on Monday as outrage grew over rape allegations that have convulsed the conservative government.
The #March4Justice rallies were held in more than 40 Australian cities and towns, with a major demonstration in Canberra following allegations of sexual assault in the nation’s parliament. Dressed mostly in black, the crowd gathered outside Parliament House holding aloft placards with slogans including “You’re Not Listening”, “How Many Victims Do You Know?” and “I Believe Her”.
Former government staffer Brittany Higgins alleged publicly last month that she had been raped by a colleague in a minister’s office in 2019.
And earlier this month, Attorney-General Christian Porter vigorously denied swirling accusations he had raped a 16-year-old girl in 1988 when they were both students.
The controversy has placed growing pressure on Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who critics say has fumbled the government’s response to the scandals.
The latest gaffe came on Monday when he told parliament: “Not far from here such marches, even now, are being met with bullets, but not here in this country” — drawing furious interjections from opposition politicians and stunned reactions online.
“The prime minister thinks women should be grateful that we weren’t shot for rallying for our own safety,” Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young tweeted.
The government has ordered an independent inquiry into parliament’s workplace culture and established new staff support services but activists say systemic change is now needed — not just in politics but across Australian society. Higgins told the crowd in Canberra her story was “a painful reminder to women that it can happen in Parliament House, and can truly happen anywhere”.
“We fundamentally recognise the system is broken, the glass ceiling is still in place,” she said. We are here because it is unfathomable that we are still having to fight this same stale, tired fight.
An estimated 10,000 joined the protest in Melbourne, with thousands more in major cities including Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane. Several thousand also rallied in Porter’s hometown of Perth on Sunday.
The #March4Justice is demanding a raft of measures including independent investigations into all cases of gendered violence, a boost in public funding for prevention and the implementation of recommendations from a 2020 national inquiry into sexual harassment at work.
In other news – Qwabe twins bag their first acting gig
They first shot to fame when they were Idols contestants. Although they are known for their beautiful singing voices, the Qwabe twins set to show their other talent.
Viggy and Virginia Qwabe are venturing into acting. The musicians will act on Pastor Mjosty’s sitcom, 731 Nina Street, to be aired on the TV channel that is still to be announced. According to Pastor Mjosty, the twins have already started shooting. Learn more
Source: IOL
