What’s On

Respect 2040 marked a significant milestone towards advancing gender equality and preventing violence against women in the region as leaders across the Barwon South West joined forces in an unprecedented partnership called Respect 2040.

The inaugural Respect 2040 Executive Governance Group consists of 12 organisations representing education, government, sport, health and services. The group, who meet for the first time on the 29th of May, are united in their commitment to tackling gender-based inequalities and promoting safer, more inclusive communities.

“This collaboration represents a great step forward in our collective efforts to achieve gender equality and eliminate violence against women,” said Jodie Hill, CEO at Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West, the organisation coordinating the Respect 2040 partnership. “By uniting forces, we can amplify our impact and create change that extends far beyond our individual capacities,” she said.

The Executive Governance Group consists of the Barwon South West Public Health Unit, Borough of Queenscliff, Brophy Family and Youth Services, City of Greater Geelong, Corangamite Shire Council, Sexual and Family Violence Centre, South West Sport, South West TAFE, Wannon Water, Warrnambool East Primary School and the Western Victoria Public Health Network.

This partnership builds on work that has been undertaken separately in the Geelong and Great South Coast regions and unites partners from across the whole Barwon South West in a collaborative regional effort.

“This partnership enables us to expand our reach and implement innovative strategies that address the root causes of gender inequality and promote positive, respectful relationships,” said Ms Hill “and we invite other organisations who want to step up and play their part, to join us.”