A small but dedicated group of women flash mobbed the Mullumbimby Farmer’s Market today to celebrate International Women’s Day and highlight some of the issues women face in the global and local community.
Heading the group, Woman Sounds – Speak Up, Eyleen Pinna, said the group has gathered to increase awareness about domestic violence, abuses and inequality against woman.
‘We all come from countries where this issue has been normalised. We thought in Australia it would be different but we have realised it is not.
Ten femicides so far in 2024
‘Ten femicides have occurred already in 2024. A rape happened not long ago on Belongil Beach.
‘This is our main reason to speak up for those ones who can’t any longer.’
Ms Pinna said this performance, by women who had come from Chile, Argentina, Brasil, Spain, Italy, El Salvador, Australia and New Zealand, has been held in Lismore for three years but this was the first time they had come to Mullum.
‘We made a big impact in Lismore with a great reception and feedback from the community. This year will be the first time in Mullumbimby.’
Raising their hands
Ms Pinna says the audience at the the market engaged with our performance as well as our cause. ‘They were raising their hands up with us, Indigenous women joined us straight away. I feel the public was very impressive and receptive.
‘We take the opportunity on International Women’s Day to talk about this issue that happens every day, everywhere across all social classes to stand for women’s rights and stop abuses and domestic violence.’