People may not think it can happen in Oswego County, but it does. Human trafficking is a national issue, experts say, even in seemingly wholesome communities.

To raise awareness locally, the Zonta Club of Oswego, USA, is spearheading a coalition of other local organizations for a free online event titled “That Doesn’t Happen Here: Trafficking in Rural Communities” set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10.

According to Zonta Club President Sonia Robinson, this event is part of the larger international “16 Days of Activism,” but this is the first virtual opportunity in Oswego County.

During this time, Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, the Zonta Club is joining thousands of organizations across the globe to raise awareness and support against gender-based violence.

According to the United Nations, the campaign was initially started in 1991 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) and is now practiced in more than 187 countries worldwide.

“In times with such uncertainty, it continues to be an honor and privilege to provide support and increase awareness of many forms of victimization in Oswego County,” said Stacie France, Oswego County Opportunities response coordinator.

“The goal is to increase the awareness of how trafficking impacts communities such as Oswego County and share information related to national statistics,” France said.

According to France, Oswego County Opportunities will provide training for the event and was contacted to bring this event to professionals throughout the community.

The training for officials at the event will be led by New York State Department of Health Rape Crisis Counselor Kate Salmonsen.

“We were incredibly thankful to have Zonta ask us to provide a training on trafficking in rural communities. This is an issue that many people are unaware of, as well as how prevalent it is in their own community.” Salmonsen said. “It is a true privilege to be able to share resources with members of my community.”

France said Salmonsen will moderate discussions, provide information, statistics and available services.

According to state officials, Human Trafficking is an issue worldwide, and specifically in New York, it has been on the rise.

Governor Andrew Cuomo said New York had a 70 percent increase in trafficking reports between January and June compared to the same time in 2019. Between March and June of 2020, state agencies had more referrals than any other four-month period prior.

“There is a deeply troubling and prevailing misconception that human trafficking only happens in the shadows and in faraway nations, when in reality it’s a heinous crime that often happens in plain sight and in our communities,” Cuomo said in statement.

According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, two types of human trafficking are recognized by New York: sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Sex trafficking is when someone profits from prostitution, and labor trafficking is coercing or transporting someone to perform labor or services.

Two New York State Penal Laws introduced in 2007 authorize the repercussions for the offenses. One determines that sex trafficking is a class-B felony carrying upward of a 25-year sentence. The other law determines labor trafficking as a class-D felony carrying a punishment upward of seven years.

Robinson said the Zonta Club will be posting updates about the event. To get more information, visit https://zontasaysno.wordpress.com/zontasvision/campaign/.

Robinson urges community members to contact their representatives in Congress to urge continued funding for the 1994 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

According to the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, VAWA grant funding has expired. Appropriations for grants stopped on Feb. 15, 2019, and Congress has yet to re-appropriate grant financing.

http://www.oswegocountynewsnow.com/news/zonta-oswego-urges-16days-of-action-on-human-trafficking/article_c133067e-3a50-11eb-be9c-c334e9f2c15e.html

The Zonta Club of Mascoutah, USA, placed orange Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women signs and banners around their town. The lights at the main intersection by City Hall were lit orange with orange ribbons.

Mascoutah Mayor Jerry Daugherty signed a proclamation recognizing Zonta’s efforts to end violence against women and girls. The mayor, city manager, chief of police and chamber of commerce president all took part in the photo for the proclamation presentation.

In their effort to stop domestic violence against women and girls, the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (NCEDSV) is partnering with the Domestic Violence Resource Center and the Zonta Club of Greater Reno for a community-wide observance during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

“In 2012, Zonta International created a worldwide campaign to support the 16 Days movement, called Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women,” said Joy Orlich, President, Zonta Club of Greater Reno. “The signature color is orange, and events will be held in over 60 countries around the world, with one message, ‘Let’s end gender violence’!”

From Wednesday, November 25, 2020 to Thursday, December 10, 2020, NCEDSV, the Domestic Violence Resource Center, and Zonta Club of Greater Reno raised awareness of gender violence to inspire community involvement through the dedicated actions below:

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (IDEVAG), on November 25, 2020, kicked off the 16 days of activism. IDEVAG aimed to raise awareness through the 2020 UNiTE Campaign Theme: “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!” with the UN Women organization.

On November 30, 2020, the Zonta Club of Greater Reno and the Domestic Violence Resource Center partnered together for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Virtual Event – “How do we say NO to Gender Violence?” This interactive forum was a Facebook live-streamed event that included a panel of local experts and service providers, where viewers were invited to “Add your Voice” to the conversation, via posts and chat box comments.

This year, for Giving Tuesday, NCEDSV teamed up with The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) to encourage communities to take part in supporting survivors and domestic violence organizations by using the #GiveForDV hashtag.

https://thisisreno.com/2020/12/nevada-coalition-to-end-domestic-and-sexual-violence-aims-to-end-violence-against-women-through-16-days-of-activism-sponsored/

The Zonta clubs of The Bahamas presented the Ministry of National Security’s National Neighbourhood Watch Council (NNWC) with about 70 bins for use throughout various Bahamian communities on Friday.

The donation was made as part of their “16 Days of Activism” and ongoing campaign “Zonta Says  No” to Violence Against Women, Girls and Children during a press event at the ministry’s John F Kennedy Drive headquarters.

The bins are branded with Zonta to bring attention to the campaign and will be used by the NNWC in association with its ongoing “Team Up to Clean Up” Campaign, which is a part of the national “We are One” Campaign.

Among those present were Minister of National Security Marvin Dames; Permanent Secretary Marco Rolle; Undersecretary Cheryl Darville; Director of the Ministry’s Research and Development Unit Dr Jennifer Bethel; Superintendent of Police and NNWC National Coordinator Wilton Johnson; NNWC co-chairs Alesha Hart and Keno Wong; President of the Zonta Club of New Providence Dr Theresa Adderley Smith; President of the Zonta Club of Nassau Monique Sands; NNWC and Zonta Club members; and other stakeholders.

Dames thanked the Zonta Clubs, expressed gratitude for the presentation and reiterated that his ministry is working closely with civic groups like Zonta to bring greater attention to the issue and curtail violence against women.

“As we move into 2021, you will see renewed campaigns within the Royal Bahamas Police Force, as well as under the umbrella of the NNWC — a renewed effort, a renewed campaign — to stamp out violence against women,” he said.

“The time has long come for us to focus more upon it because it is important to all of us.”

https://ewnews.com/zonta-makes-presentation-to-national-neighbourhood-watch-council

The Zonta Club of Joliet Area, USA, sponsored a winter coat drive from 30 November through 10 December to benefit Morning Star Mission, which provides food for the hungry, clothes for the needy, and shelter for homeless men, women, children and families in Joliet and Will County.

“Zonta of Joliet Area welcomes this opportunity to be of service and partner with Morning Star Mission to provide coats for those in need,” says President Helen Hester Ross. “Morning Star Mission needs coats for men, women and children of all ages and sizes. We want to help replenish their supply by donating new or gently used coats. Join us in our mission to help.”

http://thetimesweekly.com/news/2020/dec/01/zonta-coat-drive-and-16-day-activism/

Domestic violence advocates and experts will break the silence around abuse towards women at an event in Tauranga this week.

At Breaking the Silence, organised by Zonta Club of Tauranga, New Zealand, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from four New Zealand leaders working alongside people who are the victims of domestic violence.

Zonta Club of Tauranga president Leigh Murdoch says the speakers will talk about the impact domestic violence can have on women, children, grandparents and the wider community.

Speakers include NZ Police family harm intervention coordinator for Western Bay of Plenty Adrian Tukaki and societal change leader at Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support Julie Sach.

Family violence activist David White will also speak at the forum. In 2009, David and Pam’s daughter Helen was murdered by her husband.

Once the trauma and drama of the Criminal Court process was over, David and Pam faced a further eight years in the Family Court settling disputes for the children.

David has written two books, “Helen. The Helen Meads Tragedy” and “Family Violence. Lifting New Zealand’s Dark Cloud.”

David has actively campaigned against Family Violence since 2011.

The event is being held as part of the Zonta International campaign 16 Days of Activism.

https://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/257698-breaking-silence-on-domestic-violence.html

At an Oneida Common Council meeting on 1 December, Zonta Club of Oneida Area President Cindy Thurston “shed light on the subject and point residents in a direction to help.”

“Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation no matter where you are. There’s no national or cultural barriers; violence can take place at any time, anywhere,” she said.

Early/forced marriage, domestic abuse, and human trafficking are only a few of the many ways gender-based violence can manifest, Thurston said, and it can take both physical and psychological forms. Gender-based violence affects both men and women publicly and privately worldwide. It can also find its way into small towns like Oneida and the surrounding area where the issues may not get the attention they deserve—this is where the Zonta club steps in. 

The Zonta Club of Oneida Area has chosen to heighten awareness through signs on the Kallet Marque and reminders of violence against women on the electronic sign in front of city hall.

At a Zonta meeting this month, Oneida Mayor Helen Acker gave the Oneida Zonta club a proclamation regarding this initiative.

Action is also a powerful step the Oneida Zonta club takes against gender-based violence. The club says that it routinely donates sweatpants to the Oneida Health Emergency room for victims of violence.\

“We also advocate and have given money towards Liberty Resources,” Thurston shared. In particular, Liberty Resources’ Help Restore Hope Center, which provides education and training for prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and child and elder abuse, has been a focus of the local Zonta club, Thurston said. “And they empower the survivors with support and resources. It’s a vital resource we have right here in our community,” she remarked.

https://www.oneidadispatch.com/news/local-news/zonta-club-of-oneida-area-raises-awareness-for-gender-based-violence/article_ca75dbf4-3428-11eb-adac-1fa2199262f1.html

As part of the Zonta International and Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka’s 16 Days of Activism campaign from November 25 to December 10, a webinar was arranged on Monday where the speakers called for unified, gender-neutral actions to stop violence against women.

The webinar, titled “He for She”, virtually took place on Sunday evening, in co-partnership with University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). Imran Rahman, former vice-chancellor and currently a special advisor to the board of trustees and Dean of ULAB Business School, alongside Akhter Matin Chaudhury, renowned industrialist and philanthropist, joined the webinar as panelists.

President of Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka, Ztn Dr Simeen M Akhtar was present at the webinar moderated by Advocacy Chairperson Ztn Tootli Rahman.

“To quote Stalin, ‘A single death is a tragedy, but when ten thousand people die, it is a statistic’ – and violence against women in history has been so massive that incidents have been lost as statistics. In most cases in history, rape has not even been counted as a crime. Unfortunately, we see the reflection of history is still present even these days, though the narratives started to getting changed,” Akhter Matin Chaudhury said addressing the history of violence against women in the webinar.

When Dr Simeen asked if is there any cultural context of violence against women, he described: “The inferiority and lack of worth for women were actually formalised by the law as we see in history. Men, of course, believed in it, unfortunately, a large group of women also did the same. Over the period of the time, the perception of thinking women as ‘inferior’ has been embedded in the male psychic as well as for the women; and surprisingly, women have also thought that the nobility of their gender depends through submitting to this inferiority as a ‘noble gesture.’

“This notion of male superiority leads to rape, which is the ultimate form of violence where women are not only assaulted but also stripped of their dignity. Laws are easy to make, but attitudes take generations after generations to change.”

When asked about the necessity of the death penalty as punishment against the crime of violence and rape, he said, “Death penalties are not the ultimate solution to this problem. However, a quick legal process must be applied in these cases and as for the offenders, I suggest that they should be chemically castrated before imprisonment as they deprived the victim’s dignity. That would be the ultimate punishment for the rapists.”

The second panelist, Imran Rahman, focused on providing adequate justice to the victims when asked about his perspectives regarding the rape violence. “I remember there was a so-called student, also a political leader at the Jahangirnagar University who boasted about his hundred rapes – and the harshest punishment he got is only suspension of his studentship. Even so-called educated and young people still blame the rape victims, which resulted in many victims believing that they have done something wrong, thus they got raped. The media, in many cases, are objectifying and exposing the privacy of the victims describing the gory details, not caring about the victim’s sensitivity. Also, there is marital rape, which is not even being considered as rape to many men and women. These issues need to be brought to justice.”

Adding that many parents and families often do not get sided with the victims molested by relatives, Imran said, “We have to learn to parent, we have to read books on good parenting, we have to know about child psychology. Parents need to speak out against the molesters, no matter how dearest they are.”

When asked on what the religious leaders can do regarding the situation of violence against women in Bangladesh, Imran said, “Many religious leaders are getting away with all kind of things such as spilling out medieval concepts on relationships and not believing the rights of marriages. They have a huge influence and I wonder how they get away with almost sanctifying rape and objectifying women. They have a huge role to play and somebody from the leaders need to step up and say that this is not what Islam says.”

News agency United News of Bangladesh (UNB) is the media partner and Cosmos Foundation was the technology partner of the webinar, which was broadcast live on UNB’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The webinar was part of the Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka’s three webinars and a TV talk show and radio programme from November 25, celebrating the 16 Days of Activism campaign. The TV talk show will be held on December 5 (Saturday) on Channel 71 on gender equality which will be participated by Ztn Dr Zareen Delawar.

The third webinar “Strokes against Violence” in partnership with Gallery Cosmos will take place at 8pm on December 9 (Wednesday) which will showcase three prominent artists. “Their artworks will speak for them, and viewers will get an insight into how art can be used as a powerful tool for the expression of violence suffered by so many,” according to Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet.

The campaign of ‘Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women’ was launched in 2012 to raise awareness of Zonta’s efforts to end violence against girls and women, and also has been focused on child marriage. The 2020 campaign cycle encourages Zonta clubs and individual members to engage with their communities with new ideas for a wide variety of actions.

https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/unified-actions-essential-to-stop-violence-against-women-speakers/61316