Men as Allies: Walking Together to Help End Gendered Violence

In recognition of the 16 Days of Activism global campaign to end gendered violence, Central Coast Community Women’s Health Centre (CCCWHC) called on influential men from across our community to help end domestic, family and sexual violence on the Central Coast.

The campaign, which ran over the global 16 Days of Activism from 25 November – 10 December 2024, was viewed by more than 37,000 people, attracted close to 3,000 engagements and attracted an outpouring of support from a variety of sources.

Featuring influential allies from a cross-section of industries, the campaign aimed to provide tangible examples of how all men can be allies for the women in their lives. Allies included:

• Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna
• Music and Fitness Influencer Nathan McCallum
• Central Coast Mariners Coach Mark Jackson
• The Glen Executive Director Joe Coyte
• Blank Canvas Construction Founder Saul Myers; and
• Star Group Head of People and Culture Ryan Davey.

CCCWHC CEO, Sara Foster, says as the largest and longest-serving provider of women’s health services on the Central Coast, a primary presenting issue for women accessing CCCWHC services is domestic, family and sexual violence.

“Our Men as Allies campaign asked leaders from our community to speak out about what can be done to create a culture of respect and inclusion for all individuals and challenge the harmful attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gendered violence,” said Sara.

“During this past year (23/24) we supported close to 3,000 women and their children and domestic, family and sexual violence was a top presenting issue for these women and their families.

“It’s no secret that the Central Coast has some of the highest reported rates of gendered violence anywhere in NSW and these conversations are a critical part of raising awareness of this systemic issue and a powerful way to engage men and boys as part of the solution. We hope to continue these conversations in 2025 and beyond.”

View the Men as Allies campaign here.

To nominate yourself or someone you know to be a part of our next Men as Allies campaign, get in touch via hello@ccwh.org.au