“The Zonta Club of Bradford collected items Tuesday for different service projects. Pictured are wrapped gifts for The ELF Fund’s Christmas gift program, along with collected food for a project where Zontians will donate to the Friendship Table and local food pantries this holiday season. On Wednesday, the Club will begin its 16 Days of Activism campaign, too.

The Zonta Club of Bradford invites the community along as it advocates for women’s rights during its 16 Days of Activism campaign.

The campaign begins Wednesday — Domestic Violence Awareness Day — and ends on Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.

Local Zontian Lisa Chapman talked about the importance of the annual campaign, which launched in 2012. “Violence against women is the most pervasive human rights violation. It knows no national or cultural barriers; happens at home, school, in both public and private places,” Chapman shared. “It may consist of psychological, sexual, or physical abuse often manifested by rape, trafficking, assault, child marriage and in some countries, genital mutilation.”

She said that the Bradford Chapter will run an informative Facebook campaign for those 16 days.

“Each day we will post an interesting anecdote, video, or quote from a local person, Zonta member, or fact resource,” Chapman explained. “For instance, on opening day we announce our campaign and invite all in the community to shine an orange porch light to symbolize support for ending violence against women. Subsequent posts will speak to this goal or any of our mission’s goals from people who work closely with this problem.

“Of particular interest is the impact the pandemic has produced,” she added.

Chapman explained that officers from local departments will talk about the recent increase in domestic violence during the pandemic. Also set to share is St. Marys City Councilwoman Margie Brown, who will talk about the importance of having female representatives in government.

The community can show their support by sharing the Zonta Club of Bradford’s daily posts so they can reach as many people as possible. Search for the “Zonta Club of Bradford, Pennsylvania” Facebook page to find the group’s posts.”

From: The Bradford Era (http://www.bradfordera.com/news/local/zonta-s-16-days-of-activism-begins-wednesday/article_3ef0c763-ebe4-5a22-aaee-053eb7c4f9b0.html)