The Zonta Club of Oamaru, New Zealand, in partnership with Safer Waitaki, held a White Ribbon Day breakfast ahead of the 16 Days of Activism. The event, which 65 people attended, featured guest speaker Jude Simpson. Simpson is a violence victim, but her story offered hope. With the right intervention and education, she has turned her life around. She is now employed by the New Zealand Police and is a strong advocate for the message “Family Violence is Not Okay.” Proceeds from the breakfast will go to Women’s Refuge, an organization for women and their children dedicated to preventing and ending family violence.

The Zonta Club of Beirut, Lebanon, visited two schools in Beirut and Saida as part of their Zonta Says NO to Violence against Women campaign and the 16 Days of Activism. The Club showed a presentation and short movie, and discussed gender-based violence with young and teenage students in an effort to raise awareness and shed light on new laws and laws needed to help protect women in our society in order to stop the violence.

The Zonta Club of Kitchener-Waterloo, Canada, participated in the 16 Days of Activism this year with social media messages to raise awareness of the associated issues. The club posted a YouTube video each day, beginning November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women through December 10, International Human Rights Day, symbolically linking violence against women with human rights. Wishing to “mark the 16 days in a way that might resonate with the community,” 16 Zontians each spoke out on an aspect of violence against women and children that is particularly meaningful to them. Click here to visit the club’s YouTube channel and watch all of their videos.

The Zonta Club of Feldbach, Austria hosted a stand with a Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women sign at the Feldbach Christmas Market. The Club sold food and drinks and raised 1,700 Euros for “Zonta Harbour,” a flat for women suffering violence in their homes.

 

The Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte, Philippines, wrapped up its Zonta Says NO to Violence against Women campaign with a forum on the “psychological effects of violence to women” on 10 December, Human Rights Day. The club hosted multiple events throughout the 16 Days of Activism, including a forum for male advocates against gender-based violence, a mass  in Laoag City, a media forum, a walk and Zumba.

From the Philippine Information Agency:

The local chapter of an international cause–oriented group advocating the rights of women and children has ended its 16-day campaign to curb violence against women and children today, the International Human Rights Day.

Continue reading →

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Zonta Club of Toowoomba Area Inc, Australia, hosted a flag-raising ceremony on 10 December in honor of International Human Rights Day. District 22 Lieutenant Governor Dr Ans Van Erp spoke at the event, sharing her commitment to stand alongside Toowoomba residents to condemn violence against women. Approximately 60 people attended the event, which marked the end of 16 Days of Activism and the Zonta Says NO to Violence against Women campaign.

The Zonta Club of  Nara, Japan hosted a charity event on the 2nd of December where they presented the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign to the public. More than 300 attendees were joined by a congressman, former congressman, vice-governor, mayor and representatives of local welfare facilities. Two local newspapers covered the event, and the proceeds will go to the Zonta International Strategies to End Violence Against Women Fund and a local public institution for crime victims.

The Golden Z Club of Guelph-Humber collected food for Rexdale Women’s Centre from the University of Guelph-Humber and Humber College North’s students. Club members also went to the Centre and did a short presentation about violence and how to prevent it.

The Club is also sending an informative email for each of the 16 Days of Activism that can be promoted on social media and via word of mouth and putting up posters around the school to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women and girls.

 

The Zonta Club of Findlay, Ohio, USA, held a silent walk on 8 December 2015. Members put orange tape over their mouths to show that victims often don’t have a voice.

(The Courier)

The Zonta Club of Dothan, Alabama, USA, lined the steps to their civic center with empty shoes representing victims of domestic violence.

From WFSA:

The Zonta Club of Dothan launched it’s 25-day, “Says NO to Violence” campaign on Tuesday in Dothan.

Community members joined organizers in a rally to raise awareness and kick off the campaign.

Two hundred shoes were lined up on the steps in front of the Dothan Civic Center. The shoes represent women, men and children affected by domestic violence. Organizers attached names of the victims on each shoe.

Several guest speakers spoke at the event, including a representative from the House of Ruth and the exchange center for child abuse prevention.

Houston County and Dothan commissioners also shared a few words, along with a domestic violence survivor and attorney.

“When you have empty shoes on these steps and you look at them and they were once worn by someone who is no longer with us, because they died due to domestic violence, it really makes you stop and think,” said Zonta Club of Dothan President Dianne Marshburn.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a woman is beaten every nine seconds in the United States.

“It’s not a subject a lot of people want to talk about. There is help. There is hope. There is a way out,” said  House of Ruth Executive Director, Beverly Youse.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, reach out for help. The house of Ruth has a 24-hour help line you can call at at 793-2232.

More information on domestic violence services and statistics can be found on the Zonta says no website.