16 Days of Activism: Stand with Women on Temporary Visas  

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global movement uniting people, organisations, and communities in a shared commitment to end violence against women and girls. The campaign begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concludes on 10 December, Human Rights Day. 

Each year, the 16 Days encourages us to confront the root causes of violence, challenge systems that perpetuate inequality, and take action to ensure safety, dignity, and justice for all women and girls. 

Our Call to Government: No Woman Left Behind 

Throughout these 16 days, JRS Australia continues to stand in solidarity with survivors and advocate for urgent action from state and federal governments. Ending gender-based violence within a generation requires ensuring that no woman is left behind, including women on temporary visas.

“All women who have been subjected to violence on our shores and on our watch ought to have the same rights and same access to safety and justice, recovery and healing, regardless of their visa status,” shares Josephine Rechichi, JRS Australia’s Assistant Country Director.

Right now, many women on temporary visas— including those seeking asylum—face almost insurmountable barriers to safety and recovery. Excluded from crisis accommodation, social welfare supports, and emergency financial assistance, they are too often left without pathways to protection.

JRS Australia’s Finding Safety Project continues its long-standing work to end this discrimination and support women and girls on temporary visas who have experienced violence in Australia. 

The Finding Safety Project 

Operating out of our Women’s Space, the Finding Safety Project offers specialised SGBV casework, wellbeing programs, advocacy, and practical support accessing emergency accommodation, training, medical care, mental health assistance and legal advice. 

The women we accompany show extraordinary courage, resilience, and leadership in rebuilding their lives. During these 16 Days, we invite our community to learn from their voices and stand alongside them in solidarity. 

As part of the Temporary Migrants Group with the Sydney Alliance, we are calling on the NSW government to ensure women on temporary visas are eligible for the Start Safely rental subsidy available to victims of domestic and family violence.  

What’s Happening over these 16 Days? 

Advocacy and Engagement 

Women’s Space “Standing Together” Gathering — 26 November 2025 

In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism, we will be hosting a Standing Together Gathering at the Women’s Space for our clients. This gathering is an opportunity to continue strengthening our connection, support, and solidarity. We’ll share a lunch, followed by activities sharing stories and songs designed to deepen sisterhood and build confidence.  

Our hope is that everyone who attends leaves feeling seen, supported – and empowered. 

Western Sydney Women’s March — 27 November 2025 

The Finding Safety team will join Cumberland City Council’s Western Sydney Women’s March in solidarity with survivors and in support of gender equality. This annual march brings the community together to amplify the message that every woman deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive. Please join us. 

Parramatta Cumberland FDV Prevention Committee Forum — 1 December 2025 

The committee is hosting a 16 Days forum focused on addressing violence against women and girls in digital spaces. 

Finding Safety Program Manager Sara Muzamil will present on: 

1. Empowering women and girls in digital spaces 
2. The role of communities and organisations in prevention and support 
3. Raising public awareness and cultivating cultural change 

SWIFT Forum on FGM 

SWIFT is a national initiative led by the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health (MCWH) that supports health workers across Australia to effectively prevent and respond to  Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). The Finding Safety team will be attending their Community of Practice Forum in November, contributing to national conversations on ending female genital mutilation and supporting survivors. 

Would you like to get involved? 

• Visit the “Wishing Tree”: CWDVCAS invited our Women’s Space clients to contribute handwritten messages for their 16 Days “Wishing Tree” display in Parramatta Square. These powerful messages—written by women with lived experience—will be displayed on a community tree as symbols of hope, courage, and collective resistance to violence.

• Read the Safer Futures Toolkit: Our partners in the Women at Risk legal Clinic – RACS – have created a toolkit to inform service providers about the best practice for supporting women seeking asylum experiencing violence. The toolkit was created in consultation with our Finding Safety staff and clients, whose artwork is featured in the final publication. 

• Uplift the voices of women: Read and share stories from our 16 Days, 16 stories database and follow JRS Australia on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to learn more about our work, raise awareness, and show your support for women seeking asylum.

• Sign the Petition for a Human Rights Act: All women, regardless of visa status, should have the right to safe housing and freedom from violence. A Human Rights Act would require the government to ensure these rights are accessible in practice to women on temporary visas. Join the campaign here.
• Advocate for Change: Help us call for real, urgent policy reform so women on temporary visas are not left without safety. Contact your local NSW MP and let them know you think women on temporary visas should have equal access to the Start Safely rental subsidy. Encouraging your workplace, community group, or faith community to do the same.
  
  
• Donate: We receive no Federal government funding. Your gift today ensures we can continue our service and advocacy work for women seeking asylum over the holiday period and into next year.