Service project is led by Zonta Club of Midland, Nov. 25 – Dec. 10

Midland storefronts will soon display “orange lady dolls” as part of the Zonta Club of Midland’s campaign to end gender-based violence.

According to the club, these orange dolls, named Julie, exist to raise awareness for Zonta International’s service project, Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women. The service project was adopted from the United Nation’s 16 Days of Activism campaign to unite towards a common cause of ending gender-based violence.

Zonta Club states that Julie was a 23-year-old female who was riding her bike to a friend’s house in Belgium when she was attacked. She attempted to fight off her offender, but her tiny frame was no match for her attacker. Her attacker slipped through the cracks of the justice system.

Through her death, Julie’s family is making changes in Belgium’s judicial system in her memory, so this does not happen to other women. Julie’s aunt happens to be a member of the Zonta Club of Midland and advocates for women to protect themselves and men to stand up and pledge to say no to violence against women.

One of Zonta’s missions is that no woman shall live in fear of violence. According to a recent release from the club, one in three women will experience gender-based violence in their lifetime.

During the 16 Days of Activism, which runs Nov. 25 through Dec. 10, organizations and Zonta Clubs throughout the world raise awareness about this issue and challenge people to stand up to saying “no” to violence against women.

“Orange is the color of the campaign, and the dolls represent the women in our community that have fallen victim to violence,” Zonta Club of Midland stated. “You can help us take a stand and say no to violence against women by taking a selfie with the dolls, posting on Facebook your selfie and how you will stand up to violence against women, and tag Zonta Club of Midland.”

For more information about Zonta Club, visit ZontaClubOfMidland.org.

https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/zonta-club-unveils-orange-lady-dolls-combat-19936659.php

Lyndell Farmer

The newly formed Zonta Club of Kiama-Shellharbour welcomed the community to a poignant Remembrance Ceremony held at Coronation park on Monday 25 November to honour the lives affected by domestic abuse and herald the start of 16 days of activism.

Organised in collaboration with local partners, the ceremony was a community effort. Special thanks were extended to Lyndell Farmer of Artimus Girl for her sound bowl contribution, Brendan Comber from R&R Productions for sound support, Pearl Noire for her performance, Kate Riordan from the Wildflower Studio for sponsoring the flowers, and the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club for providing an alternative wet weather venue.

The ceremony served as both a solemn remembrance and a call to action. As part of Zonta International’s 16 Days of Activism campaign, the event highlighted the ongoing crisis of domestic violence. The campaign runs annually from November 25 to December 10 and aims to mobilise global efforts to address gender-based violence.

Sobering statistics presented during the ceremony painted a stark picture. One in six Australian women and one in 16 men have experienced violence at the hands of a current or former partner. Overall, one in five women and one in 20 men have experienced sexual violence. Alarmingly, one in four children in Australia are exposed to domestic violence, often suffering emotional and psychological trauma that can have lasting effects. On average, one woman every nine days and one man every month loses their life due to domestic violence. Despite the prevalence of abuse, it is significantly under-reported, with studies showing that around 60% of female victims do not contact police due to fear, shame, financial dependence, or lack of support.

The ceremony’s most poignant moment was a symbolic display of shoes, each representing a life lost to domestic violence in the past year. Attendees were invited to read the stories attached to the shoes, providing a personal connection to the tragic impact of abuse. The audience also heard the harrowing story of Hannah Clarke and her three children, whose lives were cut short in a horrific act of domestic violence in 2020.

Lyndell’s sound bowls created a solemn ambience and stirring performances of Let It Be and Hero by Pearl Noire offered moments of solace and reflection. Guests were invited to lay flowers in remembrance as the names of victims were read aloud, reinforcing the importance of honouring those who have been lost while advocating for change.

Acknowledgement was also given to organisations like SAHSSI, which supports women fleeing domestic violence in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, and to first responders—police, paramedics, and firefighters—whose swift actions save lives and provide critical support to families in their darkest moments.

The Zonta Club expressed their gratitude to the community for standing together in solidarity and reaffirmed their commitment to ending domestic violence. The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the urgent need for awareness, support, and meaningful action to create a future where no one suffers from violence and all individuals can live in safety and dignity.

For more information about Zonta’s 16 Days of Activism, visit Zonta International.

https://thebuglenewspaper.com.au/NewsStory/zonta-club-of-kiama-shellharbour-hosts-remembrance-ceremony-to-honour-victims-of-domestic-abuse/6744f0137c0acb0292a7afa7

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.”

By Stephen DeLadurantaye

Published: Nov. 25, 2024 at 11:35 AM CST

MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – An international club needs your help advocating for the end of violence against women.

Between the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Nov. 25 and Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, Zonta International is hosting its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Biased Violence Campaign.

The Zonta Club of Marquette is encouraging you to participate by sharing your story on social media and letting people know that you stand against domestic and gender-biased violence.

“It’s that idea that every time you share, every time you post, every time you have a conversation, every time you inform somebody, you’re breaking the silence against violence against women,” said Zonta Club of Marquette Member Lorena Donnellan.

Zonta Club of Marquette Member Lucille Contois says you can also participate by showing off Zonta symbols like orange umbrellas and lanterns.

“The lanterns are supposed to shed light on the issue for the community,” said Contois. “The umbrellas are there to represent safety – a safe space and safety in the home. This is about a safe community.”

You can donate to Zonta International and find resources to help you advocate for violence against women here.

Copyright 2024 WLUC. All rights reserved.

https://www.uppermichiganssource.com/2024/11/25/zonta-club-encourages-up-participate-16-days-activism/

By Press Release
Nov 27, 2024, 3:08pm

Press Release:

Genesee County Chapter of Zonta International is proud to announce a series of impactful activities as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, a global movement dedicated to ending violence against women and girls.

This year’s campaign runs from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, through December 10, Human Rights Day. The Batavia – Genesee County Chapter has planned a variety of initiatives to raise awareness and support survivors in our community.

Local Activities

1. Donation to Local Domestic Violence Charity
   • As part of our commitment to supporting survivors, Zonta will be donating to a local domestic violence charity. We are grateful to those who purchased popcorn from our fundraising event this fall. There is still time to purchase and help support this donation. Please reach out to the Batavia – Genesee Zonta Chapter Facebook page to get further information.
2. Lighting City Hall Orange
   • During the 16 Days, Batavia City Hall will glow orange—the campaign’s signature color symbolizing hope and a brighter future free of violence.
3. Engage Online
   • Follow us on Facebook at Zonta Genesee County Facebook Page for updates, event details, and information on how you can get involved.

Why This Matters

Violence against women is a global issue that affects 1 in 3 women in their lifetime. By participating in the 16 Days of Activism, the Genesee County Chapter of Zonta International joins a worldwide effort to end gender-based violence and support those who have been affected.

Get Involved

We invite community members to join us in this vital mission. Whether by attending events, engaging online, or supporting local organizations, everyone can play a role in creating a safer, more equitable future.

For more details and updates, visit our Facebook page at Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County Batavia NY.

https://www.thebatavian.com/press-release/genesee-county-zonta-chapter-shines-orange-light-on-violence-with-16-days-of-activism

Zonta kicks off campaign to end violence against women

Each year during the “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women,” campaign, Zonta Clubs and Zontians around the world take action to advocate to end violence against women and girls in all its forms.

The Zonta “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” began Monday, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and continues through Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.

To kick off the Campaign, Zonta Club of Elizabethtown members put up Zonta Says No signs along Ring Road in Elizabethtown. During the campaign members will wear the color orange which has been recognized globally as a symbol against gender-based violence particularly during the annual 16 Days of Activism Campaign.

The Club also will host its Christmas Tea and Silent Auction fundraiser Dec. 8. Proceeds are used to support local programs such as SpringHaven, Silverleaf, school resource centers, the HCS Excel Program and others.

During the Tea, the Club’s Non-Traditional Scholarship recipient will be awarded $1,000.00. A monetary contribution along with other needed items will be presented to the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program which provides forensic examinations and offers support to victims.

Zonta’s Mission is “Building a Better World for Women and Girls” through addressing both locally and internationally, issues of fairness and equality for women, girls and children academically and in the workplace as well as advocating against gender-based violence, child marriage, and human trafficking.

Zonta is part of Zonta International with membership of like minded professionals from diverse countries and cultures.

For more information about Zonta search www.zonta.org. Find us on Facebook at Zonta Club of Elizabethtown, or for membership inquiries contact Kelly Roark at 270-401-8141.

https://www.thenewsenterprise.com/features/neighbors/zonta-kicks-off-campaign-to-end-violence-against-women/article_d2355389-74d1-5a9f-bbdf-2966555a23c6.html