About 3,000 women have gathered in Perth’s CBD for the first of a series of women’s marches planned around Australia, demanding an end to gendered violence.
Key points:
- Thousands of women took part in the March4Justice in Perth
- The protesters demanded action against gendered violence and sexual assault
- Rally organisers want the McGowan government to introduce laws against coercive control
Inspired by former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins and Australian of the Year Grace Tame, the protestors demanded greater action to end sexual assault and ensure women’s safety.
In February, Brittany Higgins went public with an allegation a male colleague raped her inside the office of Defence Minister Linda Reynolds.
It has prompted a fierce public debate about the treatment of women in Parliament House and broader society.
Large crowds filled Perth’s CBD for the rally.(ABC News: Briana Shepherd
)
Speaking at the rally today, former federal Labor MP Emma Husar said she left Federal Parliament because she was sexually harassed and “slut-shamed”.
“We’ve had enough of being maligned by the boys’ club, we’ve had enough of being raped by the men who think they can put their hands on us when they can’t,” Ms Husar said.
“We’ve had enough of being sidelined, not being paid enough and not being represented enough in leadership roles.”
Former federal Labor MP Emma Husar speaks at the demonstration.(ABC News: Amelia Searson
)
The Perth protest organisers are calling on the WA government to introduce laws criminalising coercive control.
Ms Husar said she hoped the marches would lead to real change and she encouraged survivors of sexual assault to stand together.
“We’re all tired, tired of retelling our trauma-filled stories in the hope that someone will listen and actually take action for us,” she said.
“I am asking all of those who can to stand shoulder to shoulder with us and to keep up the fight.”
LoadingWant more WA news?
Did you know we offer a local version of the ABC News homepage? Watch below to see how you can set yours, and get more WA stories.
(Hint: You’ll have to go back to the home page to do this)
Loading