Ending violence against women

A UNSW staff member and photographer has produced an exhibition aimed at raising awareness of violence against women and girls.

Diane Macdonald, the photo editor for the Human Rights Defender, a publication produced by UNSW’s Australian Human Rights Centre, has taken the series of 50 black and white images. 

The collection is a series of portraits and quotes from individuals and groups based in Sydney who are committed to bringing an end to all forms of gender-based violence.

The exhibition “Positively remarkable people: Ending violence against women” is online and will be permanently archived by the National Library of Australia.

The work has been hung at the recent Inaugural Asia-Pacific Conference on Gendered Violence and Violations and at UNSW Law.

Ashlee Donohue, Educator and Advocate

"As a survivor of domestic violence, my purpose now lies in changing the statistics through a preventative process in a holistic and inspiring way. My own experiences have driven me to become an advocate and an educator. I want to help empower all people to work towards ending violence in all its forms. Everyone has the right to feel and to be SAFE."

Maha Abdo OAM, CEO, United Muslim Women Association

"You can only be strengthened by what you believe in, and this is where the Muslim faith can play its part in empowering women to create a safer world for women and children."

Moo Baulch, CEO, Domestic Violence NSW

"I believe we are here to be the best version of ourselves that we can be - and to improve the lives of others around us. Violence is never an acceptable choice, whether it be verbal, physical, psychological, cultural or lateral. We are all part of multiple communities; it’s our responsibility to challenge violence and bullying."

Alex Davis, Solicitor, Women’s Legal Services NSW

"Violence against women is preventable, and yet it continues to destroy the lives of women and families in epidemic proportions. The statistics are not slipping. It is a widely misunderstood issue and people don’t realise how insidious it truly is – it doesn’t just impact the victims of violence but their families, workplaces, communities, and our economy. Working with victims of violence on a daily basis reminds me that it’s not a certain ‘type’ of woman who is susceptible, it doesn’t discriminate based on location, race, wealth, class or religion. This can happen to anyone."

Leeann Smith, Domestic Violence Liaison Officer 

"I believe that every person has the right to feel safe and to live a life free from violence. That’s the reason I do what I do. If I can make a positive impact in someone’s life, then that’s one less person living in fear and my work is making a difference."

Deng Adut, Spokesperson and Witness

"My desire, when it comes to reproductive choices, is to see complete equality between men and women. Empower women with control over their own bodies and wombs. Reverse the practice of child marriage. Women will then have fewer children and a better quality of life while future generations will benefit from a more stable, productive society."