Conversations is a new radical feminist space for people to reflect on the vast and varied female experience. It encourages guests and hosts alike to think about the patriarchal systems that impact all people – through deep reflection, critical thought, and provocative conversation. With genuine curiosity and willingness to challenge ourselves in order to learn, Conversations explores the manifold experiences of being a woman and rejects the idea of any universal female experience. We come together to take control of our own female and non-binary narratives in an intimate and interpersonal setting. All people are welcome.

For the debut of Conversations, a panel discussion will be presented at Cool Change on the manifestation of misogyny in various forms of violence: How does sexual harassment in public places connect to domestic violence in the home? What are the factors contributing to the death of one Australian woman per week at the hands of a current or former partner? How do traditional understandings of gender enable perpetrators of violence? We will apply a cross-sector approach to examine the epidemic of gender-based violence – why does it exist, and what can we do to enact change, on both an individual and systemic level?

SPEAKERS:

Sue Young, Superintendent, Family Violence Division, Western Australian Police Force

Leanne Barron, CEO Starick

Rose Kingdom-Barron, Safer Venues WA

Hosted by Claudia Mancini

This active conversation follows the 28th Annual Silent Domestic Violence Memorial March (23 November) and leads into the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November) and the commencement of 16 Days of Activism.

Please note: there is a content warning of discussions about violence for this event.