11/08/2026
It’s World Youth Day and we are sharing the story of Annamiek, who was Highly Commended in the 2025 ACT Young Volunteer of the Year Award.
She’s a young person living in Canberra and works two jobs. But it’s not for the extra cash - one is entirely voluntary. This is why she does it.
‘I’m the NSW and ACT General Manager of What Were You Wearing?. It’s a volunteer role I am passionate about.
We’ve rallied around the country to put accountability onto perpetrators, not on the victim-survivors of gender-based violence and abuse.
It’s not very well understood. It can sort of turn into a ‘he said/she said’, thing. You might go to the police and they don't believe you. They'll ask questions like, oh, but what were you wearing? They’ll say ‘isn't that a bit suggestive?’
I want to see victim-survivors feel comfortable coming forward to report what’s happened. Without the fear of being judged or not believed.
WWYW also holds monthly survivor healing groups. They are a place to come together and share our experiences - only if you want to. Everyone is welcome – all ages and genders.
A victim survivor doesn't have to have experienced physical assault. There's a lot of different types of abuse. Verbal, emotional, financial...There's a tonne of different ways, unfortunately.
I love doing this work and that's what motivates me to keep doing it and find time for it.
Thank you for making a change Annamiek, and for sharing your story. 🙌
If you’d like to volunteer for WWYW, they are seeking people of all ages, experiences and genders.
Get involved here: https://wwywaus.org/
There are so many exceptional young people in our Canberra community. Tag someone below that inspires you! 👇
[Image description: Annamiek stands in a tunnel of trees in a park. She wears blue jeans and a t-shirt with the 'What Were You Wearing' logo.]
