There was an event at Old Church Hill in Bendigo on 2nd December 2023, from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, with registration starting around 9:30 featuring Nepali-made Donuts and Tea.

I stumbled upon the event on Facebook a while back, and to my surprise, Manorama Didi extended a personal invitation to us. Despite some initial uncertainty, my partner and I decided to embark on this event.

After a late night at a different event, we woke up with a sense of spontaneity, got ready, and eagerly checked for a bus to the event. However, our plans hit a roadblock as there was no bus available. Undeterred, we embraced the unexpected twist and set out on foot from our place.

The journey unfolded into a delightful 35-minute plus walk, taking us through a scenic route nestled near the hill. As we strolled, nature revealed its treasures—we even couldn’t resist tasting some wild fruits we found along the way. The experience was an unexpected joy, turning what could have been a mundane commute into a mini adventure.

The community page had mentioned it as more of a meet-and-greet event – that was what I understood, a chance to see people from our community and say hello. As newcomers in Bendigo, it has always been nice to meet people from the community.

Contrary to the common belief that Australia is among the most developed countries globally, recent data from 2021, specifically focusing on gender equality, reveals a different story. According to this data, Australia is ranked 50th in the world for its efforts and achievements in promoting gender equality.

This ranking illuminates the challenges and areas where improvements are needed in Australia’s approach to gender equality. For comparison, New Zealand, a neighboring country, is positioned much higher in the ranking, at 4th place. This data emphasizes the ongoing need for efforts and awareness to address and overcome the persistent challenges related to gender-based inequality in Australia.

We arrived almost an hour late, missing the introduction part, but we caught up with the theme. The event covered topics like gender inequality, and violence (physical, emotional, verbal), and shared videos depicting the harsh reality.

In a group session, three groups demonstrated how to address these issues. It was informative, highlighting the various forms of domestic violence. A striking video mentioned that 4 in 1 families go through violence and gender inequality.

 

 

The event offered profound insights into the challenges individuals encounter while trying to extricate themselves from such situations. Often, factors like lack of education and financial dependence contribute to the complexity of their predicament. The narratives shared during the event resonated with real-life struggles, showcasing how these circumstances not only result in physical harm but also take a toll on mental health.

Studies and testimonials presented illuminated the intricate web of factors that keep some individuals trapped in abusive situations. For instance, economic dependence can be a significant barrier, where individuals may lack the financial resources to break free. Additionally, the stigma surrounding domestic violence, coupled with a lack of awareness about available support, further complicates their journey to liberation.

Moreover, the event shed light on the psychological toll endured by those in such situations. The constant fear, emotional abuse, and the feeling of helplessness can lead to severe mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are just a few of the myriad challenges individuals may face as a result of prolonged exposure to domestic violence.

In essence, the workshop provided a holistic view of the complexities surrounding domestic violence, urging a collective effort to break the cycle and support those who need it most.

We want to thank Manorama Sister for inviting us and the Organizer Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria (DBSV) for arranging this insightful half-day workshop.

During the group discussions, insights were shared about overcoming violence. The event ended with a Newari food feast prepared in Melbourne and brought to Bendigo, which we enjoyed thoroughly.