On 24 November, the Zonta Club of Janesville, USA, hosted a reception and candlelight vigil to raise awareness for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Attendees heard from Wisconsin State Senator Mark Spreitzer about efforts to end child marriage in Wisconsin, the executive director of the YWCA about the prevalence of violence against women in our community, and from other members who attended the Wisconsin Assembly Lobby Day.

Following the presentations, participants received a list of actionable steps they could take to help prevent gender-based violence, along with informational placards to distribute to local businesses. The placards, designed for women’s restroom stalls, provide safety resources for individuals who may be in danger.

The evening concluded with a candlelight march to the downtown bridge, which was illuminated in orange in recognition of the global campaign. The vigil closed with a moving, poetic reading written by a survivor of domestic violence.