During the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Warwick Inc, Australia, promoted gender-based violence awareness by placing large orange ladies in 15 businesses in Warwick and one in Killarney. The businesses included banks, the council library, recreation centers, churches and retail facilities. These orange ladies were stocked with brochures that provided information on domestic violence support, Safe Haven Domestic Violence (DV) cards and flyers for Protea Place, a women’s support center. In addition, small orange ladies were distributed to cafes, hairdressers, chemists and retail facilities, which primarily served as business card holders containing Safe Haven DV cards.

The local community responded positively to the ladies, with many customers showing interest in them. This initiative allowed the club to raise awareness of gender violence and promote Zonta’s actions. Their Facebook page featured two daily posts for the 16 Days: one contained information directed by District 22, and the other included photos of club members linked to various businesses’ Facebook pages. The club received a lot of feedback from these posts, highlighting the usefulness of social media as a tool for advocacy.

The Southern Downs Regional Council supported the club by illuminating the clock on Warwick Town Hall in orange and sharing its information on their website and the two Facebook posts about the event.

The club attended events in Toowoomba, such as the stand-up roadside vigil and the flag ceremony. They received a warm welcome from club members from both Zonta clubs in Toowoomba, which helped spread the word that their club is active in our campaign against gender-based violence.