Zonta Club of Bradford members Shelley Alcorn, Patty DeFrank, Ginny Crouse, Linda Gault and Cinda Roberts gather together to create window displays during 16 Days of Activism.

Beginning this week, the Zonta Club of Bradford will recognize 16 Days of Activism. The event kicked off Monday, which was also the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It finishes off Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day.

Zonta International has participated in 16 Days of Activism since it began in 1991 at the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute. During the campaign, Zonta clubs advocate in a variety of ways, including creating public displays against gender-based violence, advocating through social media and educating children and adults at local, national and international levels.

To advocate locally, Zonta Club of Bradford has placed window decorations and artwork throughout Bradford.

“The girls got together Friday and made the displays with the help of Cinda Roberts, who is my co-chair,” said Ginny Crouse, co-chair of the club’s Advocacy Committee.

The ladies have created window displays at PNC Bank and the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce in addition to artwork at Bradford Regional Medical Center. The aim of all these displays is to remind everyone that violence against women is never acceptable.

“We have displays all throughout town because one of the big reasons we do this is to raise awareness of the problem of gender-based violence,” said Crouse. “You will also see some orange light bulbs at various places around town because the color of the campaign is orange.”

The club has placed educational posters throughout the area highlighting the effects of gender-based violence. Crouse said that she doesn’t think people understand just how prevalent the problem truly is.

“I have learned so much about this problem since becoming a member of Zonta,” said Crouse.

“For example, did you know that Pennsylvania is one of only 13 states that has laws against marrying a child?”

Crouse noted that violence against women and girls and human trafficking are two of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, but the problem is local as well.

“There are women and girls right here who need our advocacy and assistance,” Crouse said.

Zonta Club of Bradford has reached out to other local service organizations for help in that mission.

“We have challenged other service groups around the area to get involved by collecting items for the Victims’ Resource Center at the YWCA,” said Crouse. “They need everything you can think of — from toiletries to pillows — for both men and women.”

The group has also placed rip-tag posters all around the community that have the number for the victims resource center at the YWCA.

“Violence against women and children is everywhere and affects people from all classes, religions and ethnic groups,” said Crouse. “We hope that our campaign helps to shine a light on these issues and raise awareness as we advocate for those without a voice.”