Author: Zonta International

In the news: Mascoutah Council Passes Future Projects; Mayoral Zonta Proclamation Read

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Mayor Pat McMahan declared December 2, “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Day” in Mascoutah in a proclamation read during the meeting. (From left to right: Mary Price, Donna Mae Schlueter, Mayor Pat McMahan, Michelle Miller and Nicole Vernier

By Zachary Daum

mascherald@heraldpubs.com

The Mascoutah City Council met on Monday, December 2 at 6:30 PM for a public hearing on a proposed property tax levy increase for Mascoutah’s special service area, before meeting for their regular council meeting at 7:00 PM. There were no citizens in attendance for the public hearing.

Mayor Pat McMahan stated that this is done every year and that there is no reason not to move forward with it. This amount does not increase tax rates, but increases the amount of money captured by the tax rate as it stands.

Mayor McMahon read a proclamation in relation to the Zonta Club for their dedication to supporting women’s rights. December 2 was declared “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Day.” The Zonta club also noted that they raised $155,000 for Zonta international since it’s inception in the Mascoutah area.

The following is the complete proclamation as stated and read during the meeting:

“WHEREAS. the crime of violence against women and girls

  • Continues to be the most pervasive human rights violation and a global epidemic
  • Is due to systemic use of physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, psychological and economic control and/or does not know any national nor cultural barriers and affects millions of women and girls of all races and abuse socioeconomic backgrounds, in peacetime and conflict
  • violates an individual’s privacy. dignity, security, and humanity
  • results in serious short-term and long-term physical, sexual and reproductive, and mental health problems, including increased vulnerability to HIV; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization estimates that one in three (30% of) women woridwide have

experienced physical and/or sexual violence; and

WHEREAS, according to UNICEF, “around 120 million girls under the age of 20 worldwide (about one in 10) have experienced forced intercourse or other forced sexual acts”; and

WHEREAS, more than 650 million women alive today were married as children and 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 each year, and

WHEREAS, according to the Global Report on Trafficking in Persons by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, `the most common form of human trafficking (79%) is sexual exploitation”; and

WHEREAS, more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation in the countries where the practice is concentrated, he World Health Organization estimates; and

WHEREAS, Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals with more than 26,000 members in 64 countries working together to make gender equality a worldwide reality for women and girls and has contributed to help achieve a world free of violence against women and girls for more than 100 years; and

WHEREAS, during the 16 Days of Activism, 25 N0vember-10 December, the Zonta Club of Mascoutah Area- along with all Zonta clubs-is encouraged to take part in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and to take local, national and international actions to influence the making and implementation of laws, as well as changing gender-based attitudes and behaviors to end violence against women.

THEREFORE, I, Pat McMahan, do hereby proclaim December 2nd as Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Day in Mascoutah, Illinois and encourage all residents to prevent gender-based violence by educating the community on its harm, to advocate for survivors of gender-based violence and to act in service on their behalf,

IN -WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused a seal of the City of Mascoutah to be affixed, on this, the 2nd day of December, 2024.”

After the public hearing and proclamation reading for Zonta, the council began their regular meeting, with a first reading of the 2024 Property Tax Levy. The 2023 rate setting EAV was $160,311,430, with this year’s estimate sitting at $196,335,568 for an increase of $36,024,138. The tax levy amount is the estimated amount of dollars needed by the city to run operations and to pay general obligation bonds. This does not raise property taxes, but captures more of the tax funds already collected for city use. “It’s important for people to know that we are not raising taxes. This is something we do every year.”

The council unanimously approved a bid award for the purchase in the amount of $32,900 to Holzhauer Motorsports of Nashville, IL for an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) for use by Mascoutah Police and EMS. This vehicle will be used for both special events and for emergency operations as needed. The funding for this is within the 2024 budget. This also includes a medical skid unit for use with this vehicle in the amount of $4,090. This was the lowest bid out of 4, with the others being one from Polaris for $35,999, one from Oasis Powersports in the amount of $35,999 and one from Lou Fusz Motorsports in the amount of $35,999. Mascoutah Police Chief Scott Waldrup said that the ATV would also assist with drone use. It will be able to transport the drone to locations outside of more easily accessible areas. Councilman Nick Seibert requested where the vehicle would be stored with the electric shed being a temporary location for this, before finding another storage area.

An agreement of a bid award and expenditure in the amount of $54,000 for engineering service to prepare plans, specifications and construction documents for “Safe Routes to School” bump-outs on County Road was discussed and unanimously approved. The city previously applied for and received a grant in the amount of $250,000 for construction of measures to improve safety for students around the high school area. This proposal allows for the construction of bump-outs on County Rd.

The council then discussed and unanimously approved a resolution to apply for a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant. This grant money would be used to create a roundabout at West Main Street and County Road. The city believes that a roundabout at this location would improve safety and traffic speed at the location. This grant would pay for 80% of the costs for preliminary engineering. City Engineer Sal Eklott was asked about the timeline on this roundabout project, who stated that the earliest the city would see any construction of this roundabout would be 4 years. Mayor McMahan stated that with that timeline, TIF district funds could be used to help pay the cost of construction for the roundabout. Elkott was also asked by Councilman Jack Weyant about how this would affect nearby businesses. Elkott explained that because the construction is years down the line, concerns by nearby businesses and residents alike would be consulted. Mayor McMahan stated that this is currently only a rough concept.

The council adjourned at 7:22 PM. They will next meet for their final meeting of 2024 on Monday, Dec. 16 at 7:00 PM. All citizens are welcome to attend in person. Optional virtual public attendance is also being provided virtually through Zoom Meeting (https://zoom.us). Information on how to attend these meetings can be found on the Mascoutah City Council website at https://www.mascoutah.org/mayor-city-council in meeting agenda notes.

Mascoutah Council Passes Future Projects; Mayoral Zonta Proclamation Read

Zonta of Club of Cheyenne hosts silent witness march and domestic violence discussion

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On 2 December, the Zonta Club of Cheyenne, USA, led a Silent Witness March in downtown Cheyenne to honor local victims of domestic violence. Community members joined the march, carrying silhouettes representing individuals killed by domestic partners or family members. Following the march, participants shared personal stories of loss and survival, creating a powerful space for reflection and awareness.

The silhouettes were later displayed at the community library, where the public could read about the victims throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

As part of the campaign, the club also secured proclamations from the Governor of Wyoming and the Mayor of Cheyenne, recognizing the urgency of ending gender-based violence.

The Silent Witness events garnered local media coverage, amplifying the club’s message and advocacy efforts to promote awareness and action against domestic violence.

Zonta Club of Stanthorpe Inc says NO to violence against women

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On 29 November, more than 100 residents of the small township of Stanthorpe in rural Queensland, Australia, took a stand against domestic and family violence, led by members of Zonta Club of Stanthorpe Inc, Australia. Local community organizations including Southern Downs Regional Council, Rotary International, Queensland Police Service and Lions Club of Stanthorpe, recognized the international campaign Zonta Says NO to Gender Based Violence with a vigil and walk through the streets of the small rural town in Australia. Landmarks and parks were lit orange and a series of orange footsteps were placed along the street and remained for the 16 Days of Activism .

Zonta club of Dhaka III empowers futures and breaks barriers

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Empowering Underprivileged Girls at Abinte Kabir Foundation
On 5 December, the Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, organized an advocacy program at the Abinte Kabir Foundation, a school for underprivileged girls. The initiative focused on addressing early child marriage and gender-based violence (GBV).

The event included the donation of a sanitary napkin dispenser to improve menstrual hygiene, reducing school absenteeism and empowering young girls to pursue education uninterrupted. Distinguished attendees, including the Past Governor of District 25 and the club’s leadership, emphasized education as a critical tool for combating child marriage and GBV, aligning with Zonta’s mission to advance gender equality.

Awareness Program at Shishu Bikash Kendra (SBK)
On 7 December, the club held a similar program at SBK, a club-funded school for underprivileged children. The initiative highlighted the importance of education as a means to fight GBV and early child marriage, benefiting 130 children from vulnerable families.

Interactive sessions engaged parents and students, addressing the adverse health effects of early marriage and promoting women’s and children’s rights. Parents shared their challenges, while Zonta leaders offered practical solutions to prioritize education.

Both events reflect the club’s commitment to empowering communities, fostering awareness and breaking cycles of inequality through education and advocacy.

Zonta Club of Yverdon-les-Bains shines light on gender-based violence

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  • Screenshot

As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, illuminated the main square in orange, symbolizing solidarity with the fight against gender-based violence.

A display of 19 pairs of shoes hung from the windows of the Town Hall, representing the 19 feminicides in Switzerland from 1 January to 25 November 2024. This impactful visual aimed to honor victims and raise public awareness about the urgency of addressing violence against women.

Zonta Club of Hualien’s response to the 16 Days of Activism

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The Zonta Club of Hualien, Taiwan, launched the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women campaign alongside its social service activities. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about Zonta’s commitment to opposing domestic violence and empowering women to break free from abusive situations.

Club president Peng Liping emphasized the importance of helping women understand their rights and encouraging them to stand up to their abusers. By doing so, the initiative seeks to prevent women and their children from enduring the long-term effects of violence and fosters a future free from its shadow.

Zonta Club of Isabela concludes the 16 Days of Activism with service and advocacy

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Day 15: A day of outreach and service

As part of Zonta International’s mission to advance the status of women, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, held an outreach activity at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Cauayan City. The initiative launched a livelihood project focused on food processing, providing financial assistance as startup capital for incarcerated women.

This program aligns with Zonta’s global advocacy to eliminate violence against women and promote economic empowerment. It equips women in detention with skills for self-sufficiency and better opportunities post-incarceration, addressing challenges like poverty and lack of education.

Through skills training, financial support and advocacy, the project fosters rehabilitation and reintegration, offering a pathway to a brighter future. Together, the club continues to say NO to violence and YES to opportunities for women in need.

Day 16: A day of advocacy and allyship

The club concluded its 16 Days of Activism campaign in Quezon, Isabela, with a day of advocacy and allyship, focusing on eradicating violence against women and empowering the community to champion gender equality.

The event featured discussions on critical gender-based laws:

  • Cybercrime Laws presented by Zontian Atty. Clarisse Favor, covering R.A. 11930 (Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Act), R.A. 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act), and cyber libel provisions under R.A. 10175.
  • Support for Victim-Survivors by Zontian Teresita Calabazaron, former head of the Women and Children Center in Isabela, focusing on sheltering and aiding survivors.

Community members, local leaders and advocates explored strategies to combat online gender-based violence and protect minors. Discussions emphasized the collective responsibility to monitor online activities and provide support to survivors.

The campaign strengthened allyship, empowering men and boys to actively support gender equality and ensuring all voices contributed to the dialogue.

Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the Zonta Says NO campaign reinforced Zonta International’s mission to eliminate violence against women and build a world rooted in equality and dignity.

Zonta Club of Joliet Area marches to end violence against women

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On 6 December, members of the Zonta Club of Joliet Area, USA, alongside community church leaders and staff from Guardian Angel Community Services, braved the cold to march through downtown Joliet, raising awareness and calling for an end to violence against women.

The march culminated at the site of the former Will County Courthouse, where attendees, joined by drummers, gathered for a rally. Joliet City Council members Jan Quillman and Cesar Guerrero delivered powerful speeches, urging men to become advocates against domestic violence and support efforts to eradicate it in all communities.

The event concluded with participants collectively reading the Zonta Says No Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to the cause and uniting in the fight to end violence.

Zonta Club of Accra II engages youth to combat gender-based violence

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As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Accra II, Ghana, conducted an awareness campaign in three junior high schools, urging students to report domestic violence cases. Both boys and girls were advised to speak up to parents, community elders or teachers, with escalation to the Police or Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit when necessary, accompanied by an adult.

Students learned about real cases of gender-based violence, including defilement, rape and physical assault, in an interactive session that included a Q&A segment. Some students reported incidents, which were passed on to school heads for follow-up and counseling. The session concluded with a call to action, as students and Zontians raised their hands to say NO to Violence Against Women and Girls.

In collaboration with other Zonta Clubs in Ghana, the National Theatre was illuminated in orange to raise awareness and amplify the message of the campaign.

Zonta Club of Hong Kong unites for advocacy

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Walking for Awareness
Members of Z Clubs from St. Paul’s Convent School and Hong Kong International School, alongside the Golden Z Club of the University of Hong Kong, joined Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, members for a walk on Victoria Peak. The event, “United We Walk – ‘Zonta Says No’ Peak Challenge,” aimed to raise awareness for the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women, uniting participants in a powerful demonstration of solidarity.

Digital Poster Competition
In the same event, the Z Club of St. Paul’s Convent School won the digital poster competition. Their impactful poster is displayed in 14 prominent locations within the school and shared via Instagram and WhatsApp, reaching an estimated audience of 2,000 students, staff and visitors, amplifying the campaign’s message.