Western Australia has launched a powerful 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, with prominent activist Tarang Chawla calling on men to become active participants in changing harmful social norms.
The Personal Tragedy Driving Change
Tarang Chawla's involvement in anti-violence work stems from profound personal loss. His younger sister, Nikita Chawla, was murdered by her partner in 2015, a tragedy that transformed him into one of Australia's most visible campaigners against domestic violence. This personal connection fuels his determination to prevent other families from experiencing similar trauma.
The campaign, known as 16 Days in WA, runs from November 25 to December 10, strategically encompassing several significant dates in the violence prevention calendar. It begins on White Ribbon Day and concludes on Human Rights Day, creating a comprehensive period of awareness and action.
Men's Crucial Role in Violence Prevention
Chawla emphasizes that men must move beyond passive support and become active agents of change. He challenges the common tendency for men to distance themselves from the issue by claiming they're not perpetrators. True prevention, he argues, requires men to actively call out harmful behaviors and attitudes within their social circles and workplaces.
The statistics reveal the urgent need for action. One woman dies every week at the hands of a current or former partner in Australia. In Western Australia specifically, family and domestic violence remains a critical issue affecting communities across the state.
Chawla's message focuses on practical actions men can take:
- Interrupt sexist jokes and comments among friends
- Challenge stereotypes about masculinity and gender roles
- Support victims and believe their experiences
- Educate younger men and boys about respectful relationships
Building a Culture of Active Bystanders
The campaign aims to transform social norms by encouraging what Chawla describes as active bystander behavior. This means not staying silent when witnessing problematic behavior, but rather using personal influence to promote respect and equality.
Changing social norms requires consistent effort beyond the 16-day campaign period. Chawla stresses that prevention work must continue year-round, with men taking responsibility for educating themselves and others about respectful relationships.
The Western Australian government supports this initiative as part of its broader strategy to address family and domestic violence. Community organizations across the state are participating through events, workshops, and awareness activities designed to engage diverse audiences in the conversation about violence prevention.
As Chawla powerfully states, the time for passive concern has passed. Creating a society free from gender-based violence requires every person, especially men, to actively challenge the attitudes and behaviors that enable such violence to continue.
