Tens of thousands of people are expected to march in rallies across Australia calling for an end to gendered and sexual violence, urging preventative action instead of just reaction.

It follows a federal election campaign when advocates say the issue was not given enough attention.

The No More: National Rally Against Violence has been organised by What Were You Wearing, a survivor support organisation.

Its founder, Sarah Williams, told AAP gendered and sexual violence needed to be treated proactively.

“We need to be able to stop it before it starts,” she said.

“The rally isn’t just for the women that are being murdered, it’s the sexual violence survivors as well.”

Rallies are planned on Saturday in every state capital as well as several regional cities and towns.

Organisers urged men to attend to say “no more” to violence against women.

“Men listen to men … we need more male role models out there,” Ms Williams said.

Consent and healthy relationship education needed expansion to more schools with additional funding, and community sporting clubs and major codes could also play a role in reaching different generations.

Ms Williams said her experience coaching boys soccer demonstrated the opportunities available.

Ms Williams famously accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of lying at a Canberra rally in April 2024 when he claimed to have been denied a chance to speak.

She said the government should engage with a wider range of organisations and advocates in the sector.

“And actually listen to the services and do what they’re asking, not just come up with your own solutions,” Ms Williams said.

Affirmative consent laws introduced in some states should also be rolled out nationwide, she added.

Lead image: AAP