16 Songs for 16 Days of Activism

Since 1991, over 2000 organisations in 154 countries have participated in the 16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women campaign. The campaign runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and White Ribbon Day) to 10 December (World Human Rights Day).

The 16 Songs for 16 Days Project was funded under a grant from the Australian Government and coincides with the international campaign, 16 Days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women.

The project was developed as a means of engaging young people who were accessing housing support services around the issues of violence against women.  This engagement was undertaken through group work with young people and culminated in the production of a hip hop CD, containing messages against violence and promoting respectful relationships.

Approximately 20 young people participated in the groups and considered the issues relating to violence against women.  These groups were co-facilitated by social workers and Australian hip hop artists. Groups ran weekly across 20 weeks.

In partnership with Obese Records, the project team developed and produced a CD for the project.  Australian artists linked to the Obese label were keen to show their support for ending violence against women by offering tracks for use on the CD. Following a selection process, tracks were chosen based on their content and relevance to these young people. Young people were encouraged and supported to develop their own hip hop track in relation to the discussions in the groups.

5000 free CD’s are being distributed throughout Australia to young people accessing housing support services or who are engaged with sexual assault services.

The “16 Songs for 16 Days” CD will be launched at Federation Square from 2pm-4pm on the 9th of December.   The launch is designed to not only to draw attention to the CD but also the need to engage young people accessing housing support services in the messages, to publicise the issues of violence against women and actively engage in the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

For more information about the 16 Songs Project, please visit the CASA House website.

Links for White Ribbon Day and 16 Days of Activism:

Police focus on eliminating violence against women

Saying no to violence can prevent homelessness

Broderick sets sights on violence

Work towards a world where women live without fear of violence

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