Michelle Glasgow reads the names of women killed by their partners or family members in 2024 at the third annual Rose Vigil in Wollongong. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
The Illawarra will take a stand against gender-based violence for 16 days as part of a global movement.
The campaign kicks off on Tuesday, 25 November, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
According to the Australian Femicide Watch, 62 women and 23 children have been killed in Australia in 2025 so far.
This year, as she does every year, Michelle Glasgow will read the names of the dead women to those who attend the Rose Vigil at McCabe Park.
The dead women range in age from 18 to 88. One was killed while carrying her unborn child.
The vigil is a moment that honours the humanity of the murdered women; a humanity that is erased by the misogyny of men who perpetrate and accept violence against women.
Michelle, the general manager of Women Illawarra, said taking part in an action such as the Rose Vigil could be profoundly healing for those who feel overwhelmed by the scale of the crisis.
It provides the opportunity to give back to organisations that are on the front line, day after day.
“These women had a name, a life, a family, a job, friends, and they’ve been murdered,” she said.
“This is our community; this is our country; these are our people. The least we can do is recognise them.”
The vigil is hosted each year by Women Illawarra and the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre.
These organisations are foundational to the Illawarra’s proud history of speaking out against gender-based violence.
Women Illawarra was founded in 1979 after the first International Women’s Day rally in Wollongong, and has provided continuous support to women of the region ever since.
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre was born in 1986, thanks to efforts by Women Illawarra to secure funding for the dedicated service.
The nation’s first Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre was opened in Shellharbour in 2024, following years of relentless campaigning by Women Illawarra and the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre.
This year, Michelle called on the region’s men to step up, show their support and get involved in the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
“Violence against women is perpetrated in the vast majority by men, but men can also be part of the solution,” she said.
“We know there are good men in our community who are appalled by violence against women, but we need those men to step up.”
To show your support in the Illawarra, you can attend the Shellharbour City Council launch of 16 Days Against Gendered Violence at the council on Tuesday, 25 November, at 10 am.
The Rose Vigil will be held at McCabe Park on Tuesday, 25 November, at 5 pm.
A Solidarity Walk over the Windang Bridge will leave from Reddall Reserve, Lake Illawarra at 10 am on Thursday, 4 December, and finish with an 11:30 am morning tea.
