On 9 December, the Zonta Club of Parker County, USA, displayed 138 pairs of shoes at the Parker County Courthouse in Texas, symbolizing female victims of domestic violence in 2023. Club members, including three new members and representatives from Freedom House, collaborated on the impactful visual display, which drew the attention of passersby and courthouse visitors.

The event featured photos with the County Judge, commissioners, and the District Attorney, followed by a presentation about the 16 Days of Activism and Zonta’s local and international initiatives. The County Judge expressed interest in further collaboration and requested a future meeting to discuss Zonta’s projects in detail.

New member Belinda Dickard reflected, “”I felt this was a great event to bring awareness to our community. It prompted the community to inquire about what the shoes represented. The Commissioner’s Court really embraced what Zonta does and how we advocate for Women and Girls around the World.”

Tanya Hodges, Area 1 Director for District 10, emphasized, “Our club was thankful to be recognized by our County Judge and Commissioners on our efforts during our 16 Days of Activism by placing 138 pairs of shoes on our Courthouse steps which represents the number of domestic violence cases filed in Parker County during the 2023 calendar year. We are bringing awareness to our community regarding the Say NO to Violence Against Women and Girls Campaign.”

Freedom House, Zonta’s service partner, praised the collaboration, saying the event was a valuable opportunity to bring attention to the issue and advocate for victims.

In a separate advocacy event, the club’s Advocacy Committee held a virtual meeting with Texas State Senator Phil King’s office to discuss the Ending Childhood Marriage project. Zonta District 10 Governor Shelly Baumgartner joined the discussion with Beth Shields, Senator King’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director.

The conversation focused on updating Texas laws, which currently allow girls as young as 14 to marry with parental consent. Advocacy leaders explained that such consent often arises from coercion, resulting in negative outcomes for the girls involved. By taking this initiative, the club made a meaningful impact by raising awareness with Senator King’s office.