As the world marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, it provides an important platform to spotlight initiatives addressing the root causes of violence. Among these is the Australian Government’s Stop it at the Start campaign, now in its fifth phase, which highlights emerging online and offline factors influencing young people’s attitudes toward gender equality and respect.
Among the campaign’s community ambassadors is Mrs Nishi Puri OAM, a respected advocate within Canberra’s multicultural community. In this interview, Mrs Puri shares her insights on the significance of the 16 Days of Activism and the Stop it at the Start campaign. Drawing on her extensive experience leading organisations such as The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), The India-Australia Association of Canberra (IAAC), and the Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC), she offers a thoughtful perspective on fostering respect and reducing violence. Her commitment underscores the crucial role families and communities play in creating lasting change.
The 16 Days of Activism: A Global Movement for Change
The 16 Days of Activism, initiated by the United Nations, is an annual campaign that shines light on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. Running from 25 November to 10 December, this period underscores the urgent need to challenge and change harmful attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence.
For Puri, these 16 days are a powerful reminder of the collective effort required to create meaningful change. “When we talk about gender-based violence, we’re not just talking about extreme cases. It’s about addressing the everyday attitudes and behaviours that, if unchecked, create an environment where violence is tolerated or ignored. These 16 days are an opportunity to start or deepen those conversations.”
Why the ‘Stop it at the Start’ Campaign Matters
At the heart of the Australian Government’s Stop it at the Start campaign lies a simple yet profound message: respect is learned early. Targeting adult influencers—parents, family members, teachers, and mentors—the campaign encourages adults to recognise their role in shaping the attitudes of the young people in their lives.
“Young people form their beliefs from what they see both in their online and offline environments,” Nishi points out. “And while we can’t be a part of all their experiences, we as adults can support young people in navigating the negative influences they encounter. This starts with us having conversations about their lives and interactions. And when we feel like there’s an opportunity, we tell them that disrespect is never okay.”
The fifth phase of the campaign places special emphasis on encouraging adult influencers including parents to learn about these online trends of disrespect and equipping them with the tools to have informed conversations about respect. According to Puri, this approach is vital in multicultural communities where traditional values often intersect with modern societal norms. “Many parents in our communities want to address these issues but don’t always know how. The resources provided by this campaign bridge that gap, offering practical guidance that feels accessible and culturally sensitive.”
To support individuals in learning more about the campaign in the language they feel comfortable with, the Stop it at the Start campaign website offers a number of translated resources, including many available in Punjabi.
Addressing the Hidden Trends of Disrespect Influencing Young People
The digital age presents unique challenges for families, with online influences shaping young minds in profound and often less visible ways. Social media platforms, influencers, algorithms and viral trends contribute to how children and teenagers perceive respect, relationships, and boundaries.
“Understanding the online spaces their children inhabit is crucial. It’s not about policing or controlling their activity but about staying engaged and informed,” Puri says.
The Hidden Trends of Disrespect guide is one of the campaign’s resources that helps parents and other adults understand the issue and the risks presented by online factors. It highlights subtle signs of disrespect that can manifest in language, behaviours, or online interactions. Puri believes that recognising these signs is the first step to addressing them.
“Disrespect often starts small—an offhand comment, a dismissive attitude, or a joke at someone’s expense. These behaviours can escalate if left unchecked, particularly when reinforced by online communities or trends. Parents need to be aware of these patterns and have the confidence to intervene early.”
Puri encourages families to use the guide as a starting point for conversations. “Sit down together and go through the examples. Ask your children what they think and how they might respond in similar situations. These discussions not only address specific behaviours but also open the door to broader conversations about values and empathy.”
Taking Action: Practical Steps for Families and Communities
The Stop it at the Start campaign provides a wealth of resources to help families and communities foster respect. From conversation guides to online tools, these materials are designed to make the process of addressing disrespect feel approachable and actionable.
Puri highlights the importance of starting small. “It can feel overwhelming to start having these conversations at first but remember that you can start from a place of curiosity and ask a question. The most important thing is building a foundation of open communication so that it becomes easier with time to talk about these things.”
For community members, Puri suggests exploring the resources available at respect.gov.au and sharing them within their networks. “Whether it’s forwarding a guide to a friend, hosting a discussion at your community centre, or simply using the tools in your own home, these small actions can create a ripple effect.”
A Call to Action
As the 16 Days of Activism continues, Puri’s message is clear: “Each of us has a role to play in building a culture of respect. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, mentor, or community leader, your actions matter. It’s important to stop and consider your own actions and see how you can model respect for young people. Then take this forward by helping young people understand the importance of respect and respectful relations.”
Her optimism is grounded in the belief that change is possible when communities come together. “We all want the same thing—a safe, respectful world for our children. Let’s work together to make that vision a reality.”
Nishi encourages adults to learn more about the role they can play in the lives of young people by visiting the Australian Government’s website respect.gov.au.
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🌏Marking the 16 Days of Activism, @NishiPuri6 OAM emphasises fostering respect to reduce gender-based violence.🤝 The #StopItAtTheStart campaign empowers families with tools to address disrespect.🌟 Inspired to join the change? Share now!💬 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/Ir2a4vlZH5
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