THE PROBLEM
Australia has a gender-based violence crisis — and women are tired of being told to wait for change.Women and children continue to experience violence, abuse and harassment at devastating rates. We are told to speak up, report violence, change our behaviour, stay alert and keep ourselves safe — while the systems responsible for preventing violence and holding perpetrators accountable continue to fall short.We have had the conversations. We have raised awareness. We have marched, advocated, demanded action and told our stories.And still, women are being harmed and killed.This is not a problem women can solve alone. It requires meaningful action, accountability and systemic change.We believe it’s time to do something different.It’s time to recognise the enormous contribution women make to Australian society — and the power we hold when we act together.
THE IDEA
Inspired by Iceland’s historic Women’s Day Off, we’re exploring what is possible when women collectively withdraw their participation and make their contribution to society impossible to ignore.When Women Stop is about turning frustration into collective action — using our voices, our work, our spending, our time and our participation to demand meaningful, lasting change.It’s time to find out what happens #WhenWomenStop.
THE MOVEMENT
When Women Stop is a growing national movement of women and allies standing together to amplify our voices and demand meaningful, lasting change.We are coming together in response to Australia’s epidemic of gender-based violence — a crisis that continues to harm women and children while meaningful action, accountability and systemic reform remain desperately inadequate.
Awareness alone is not enough. Real change requires collective action, organisation and the courage to stand together.We believe women should not have to keep carrying the cost of a system that continues to fail us. By standing together, we can make our voices impossible to ignore and demand the change Australia desperately needs.
WE'RE GETTING READY
We’re in the early stages of building this movement, and we’re committed to building it together — thoughtfully, collaboratively and with the voices and experiences of women and communities informing every step we take.That means listening before we act, building strong partnerships, seeking the right advice and creating a movement that is safe, inclusive and genuinely reflective of women’s diverse experiences across Australia.There is a lot to build, and we won’t pretend to have all the answers. But we believe we can build something powerful together.There is no confirmed date yet. Right now, we’re listening, connecting and building the foundations for what comes next.If you believe Australia can do better, we want you with us.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
There are many ways to stand with us.You don’t need to be an organiser or have hours to spare. Whether you have five minutes, a particular skill, strong local connections or the time to help build the movement, there’s a place for you.• Register your interest and stay connected as the movement develops.
• Help organise by connecting with others in your community.
• Share your skills — from communications and design to research, events, technology and more.
• Spread the word by following, sharing and helping more women find us.Every contribution helps us build something stronger, more connected and more powerful.
Register Your Interest
Be part of what happens next.We’re building a national movement — and we want women across Australia to help shape it.Register your interest to stay informed, hear about opportunities to get involved and be part of the movement as it develops.