The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva joined by members of the Zonta Club of Fort Myers, FL, USA staged a rally on the Sanibel Causeway on 2 December to draw attention to the epidemic of violence against women. Several dozen Zontians and concerned citizens participated in the event called “Take a Stand in the Sand Against Violence Against Women”.

Prior to the event, the City of Sanibel presented the Zonta Club of Sanibel/Captiva with a proclamation in support of the Zonta Says NO To Violence Against Women campaign and the clubs efforts to combat violence against women. Local newspapers as well as local NBC and Fox news stations covered the event.

The event’s main purpose was to draw attention to the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and the epidemic of violence suffered by women world wide. Members of The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva considered this event a success judging from the outpouring of public support from citizens and public officials.

Members learned that despite education efforts so far, much more needs to be done in reaching out to the public to raise awareness on the issue of combatting violence against women. Members also learned that Zonta’s campaign cannot slow down and cannot stop.