Photos Jeff Dawson
On Sunday the community came together, with close to 200 people gathering at Clarkes Beach for a paddle out, and shore action, to raise their voices and say there are no more excuses for violence against women and girls.
‘There was such a nice representation of both men and women there, which made me feel really relieved and really happy that there is a conversation happening,’ organiser Ruby Southwell told The Echo.
‘I think the key message is that it’s safe and okay to speak up and to support other people to speak up. It’s okay to say, “hey, that behaviour is harmful, that’s not cool, that doesn’t have a place”. The message was clear that we are not excusing or enabling a culture that supports violence or harmful behaviour towards women and girls.’
Photos Jeff Dawson
During the gathering, Women’s World Champion and local surfer Pauline Menczer asked those present if they knew someone who had experienced violence or sexual violence – not a hand remained down.
‘Our paddle out is just trying to create more awareness and hoping to have better mentors around people,’ Pauline told The Echo.
‘When we were out in the water and had a minute’s silence, a lot of us were crying. Everyone has their own harsh stories, but it’s a space where you’re able to open up and talk to each other.
‘There are a lot of wonderful men out there and this isn’t about telling people what to do but recognising that there is a range of violence and that we need to respect each other regardless of our genders.’
20-year-old Lennox surfer Rhett Wharton also spoke at the rally highlighting the important role that men play in changing the culture.
‘No more excuses means it is time for men to fulfill this responsibility; as a collective, we need to stand in solidarity with the women in our lives,’ he told the crowd.
‘Our role as men is to deconstruct ourselves and the patriarchal world that exists around us. We did not choose this system, but we exist within it and benefit from it. Before we can create any change we must own this! This goes beyond having awareness of these problems, it requires action, because awareness without action becomes complacency.
‘Action calls for education about the structures we are acting against. The foundations of masculinity are constructed from both the suppression of women, but also the repression of men.
‘We must use our voices. Speak out against misogyny and sexism, no matter where you see or hear it. This includes passive sexism; those who indirectly reinforce misogyny through their complacency.’
Next steps
Ruby says she is looking to create more paddle outs, and shore actions, going forward and that it is important for Surfing Australia and the World Surfing League to engage in the public conversation about how a safe environment is created for everyone, including women and girls.
‘I feel like everyone seemed really energised by the event. I had young men in their 20s coming up to me asking if there will be more, and how we can keep this going?’ said Ruby.
Ruby is already planning another event in Margaret River in WA and is keen for other events to happen in NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
‘The Surfrider Foundation have provided me the materials that I need to be able to create events like this. We’re all rallying together to see how we can make another event.’
If you are interested in getting involved you can reach out to the group via Instagram.
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