Background of Topic:

Women leaders in communities, businesses and governments contribute to more stable and just societies, economic growth, quality of life for families and communities, and the achievement of internationally-agreed goals for sustainable development. (World Economic Forum, 2012).

Despite increased acknowledgement of the added benefits of women in leadership, according to UN Global Impact, there continues to be a disproportion between women and men in decision-making roles in both the public and private sectors due to the perpetuation of gender stereotypes.

Ideas for the Day:

• Send letters to female leaders in your community urging them to take a stand against violence against women and girls.
• Enlist women leaders to share messages about ending violence against women and girls via social media using the hashtags #ZontaSaysNO and #16Days
• Call on women leaders in your community to raise awareness of violence against women and girls and the need for immediate action.
• Learn about Quentin Bryce, International Honorary Member of Zonta International and head of Australian Government’s new domestic violence task.
• Invite women parliamentarians and community leaders to issue video messages wearing orange, stating their support for efforts to end violence against women and girls
• Write an opinion piece and send to your local newspaper reinforcing the need to prioritize the issue.

Hashtag: #ZontaSaysNO #16Days

Images and Videos to Share:

• Quentin Bryce, International Honorary Member of Zonta International and head of the Australian Government’s new domestic violence task, shares her thoughts about combatting domestic violence.
• Beijing+20 and Women in Decision-Making: Time to Shatter the Glass Ceiling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-r-joRhNBo