awareness

Zonta Club of Sydney Wests summarizes 2023 16 Days of Activism activities

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The Zonta Club of Sydney West Inc, Australia, addressed each of the 16 Days of Activism during the 2023 Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign on Facebook. Each social media post was a statement relevant to the campaigns. 

Read further ahead for some of the club’s statement posts.

Day Three:

“LORNA and the Zonta Club of Sydney West Inc. embrace day three of the 16 Days of Activism.

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign which runs every year from 25 November to 10 December. Communities around the world join the call to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls.

You can TAKE ACTION TODAY! TALK to People!

  • Many of our friends and colleagues are NOT AWARE of the frightening statistics of Violence against Women in Australia;
  • 1 in 7 women and 1 in 25 men have been injured by an intimate partner;
  • On average, one woman a week is killed by an intimate partner;
  • Unfortunately, we can find many more statistics to discuss from reliable sources. 

Look them up! Tell the stories! Follow us for the 16 days – we can make a difference!

Send us your ideas!”

Day 14:

“KIMBERLY and the Zonta Club of Sydney West embrace day 14 of 16 Days of Activism.

Are we sure that we have eliminated these violent acts across Australia, or do they linger here, too?

‘Women cannot deny their male partner sex.’

In intimate relationships, women’s choices over their bodies are dominated and controlled by their male partners and the belief that women’s bodies should always be available to men. These norms contribute to intimate partner rape and other forms of abuse, the most common form of violence against women and girls. Tunisia.

‘Sexual harassment is normal’.

Dominant patterns around male sexual entitlement over women’s bodies contribute to sexual harassment and other forms of sexual violence. In Colombia, a young woman stated,” I believe that everything arises from the fact that men see us as sexual objects and as the persons they need to fulfill their sexual needs.

In Latin America, research revealed that 75% of young people state their male friends believe harassment is normal.

‘Each year on this planet, 15 million girls are married before the age of 18.’ Most of these girls are deprived of their fundamental human rights to health, education, safety, and bodily integrity. (Acknowledgement to Oxfam.)”

Day 16:

“RUBY and the Zonta Club of Sydney West embrace day 16 of 16 Days of Activism.

                                            ‘A CONVERSATION’

Zonta International is a leading global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls.

                             That sounds fantastic! What a MISSION!

Zonta International envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential.

                               ‘Such an exciting vision for the future!’

In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision-making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.

                            ‘I would love to take some action, but how do I help?’

Stand with women and girls worldwide! Join us at the Zonta Club of Sydney West or your nearest club. It’s easy – and friendly!”

Zonta Club of Pocatello revamps the 16 Days in 16 ways

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Over the last five years, the Zonta Club of Pocatello, USA, has been on a dedicated mission, reaching 16 locations to provide essential period and personal hygiene items for needy women. This year, their focus shifted to broader outreach and raising awareness about the challenges faced by women in their community and beyond. They aimed to address each of the 16 ways suggested by Zonta International, delivering to nine locations and introducing innovative initiatives for the remaining seven days.

The club’s initiatives extended beyond deliveries, incorporating strategies to illuminate various issues. Collaborating with a local organization, they shared messages of hope and presented local and statewide domestic violence statistics to provoke reflection and inspire collective action. Their landscapes became canvases adorned with Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women signs, symbolizing their commitment to standing against gender-based violence.

The club disseminated information about Zonta’s international service projects and Fast Action Friday opportunities to enhance public awareness. A highlight was their unique reverse book club, where participants sought inspiration from literature focused on Zonta’s missions – combating domestic violence, addressing gender-based violence, eradicating child marriage and championing climate justice.

A significant milestone was the proclamation signing ceremony with the mayor, designating 7 December as “Zonta Says NO To Violence Against Women Day.” This official recognition underscores the club’s commitment to effecting change at higher levels of governance.

Overall, the club’s projects engaged more than 30 participants. This result demonstrates the tangible impact of their efforts and highlights the power of collective action in fostering positive change.

Zonta Club of Tuguegarao launches StickerZ Campaign to say NO to violence against women

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As part of the awareness campaign during “Day 10: A Day of Awareness, the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao (ZCT) in partnership with local government unit of Lal-lo, Z-Club of Lal-lo National High School and PNP Lal-lo conducted the stickerZ Campaign to tricycle operators, public utility vehicles, and private vehicles among others.

This activity was successfully done with the help of PNP Lal-lo station, Apprehending Officers of the Local Government Unit of Lal-lo, and officers of the Parent-Teacher Association of Cagayan.

A total of 500 stickers was utilized during the said undertaking. Zonta Says NO StickerZ were posted inside tricycles and other vehicles as show of support to the ZONTA SAYS NO to Violence Against Women and Girls Campaign.

ZCT informs.. We campaign, we raise awareness, and we dare to make a change.

Zonta Club of Vevey-Montreux provides support for a reception center for women victims of domestic violence

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During the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women”, the Zonta Club of Vevey-Montreux financially supported the Malley-Prairie reception center for women victims of domestic violence through an evening organized in Vevey, within the magnificent Château de l’Aile.

A festive and supportive evening dedicated to exchange. We had speeches from the municipal council, from a member of the Malley-Prairie Committee, from the President of the Club. They all recalled the importance of fighting against violence against women.

Communication on social networks was activated ahead of the event and made it possible to reach a wide audience. In the end, we welcomed more than 70 people for this evening of exchange and support.

Orange the World Campaign 2023 in Assen conducted by Zonta Club of Drenthe

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November 25th, the City Hall of Assen, among others, turned orange once again. With this initiative, the municipality of Assen says NO to violence against women and joins the global campaign Orange the World.

This year’s campaign theme in the Netherlands was: Safe, everywhere and always. The Orange the World campaign runs from November 25 to December 10.

The Orange Assen working group organizes and supports various activities during this period. Campaign Opening on November 25: The campaign in Assen kicked off on Saturday, November 25, at 5:00 PM at the market square with speeches from alderman Broekema and members of the Soroptimistclub Assen and Zonta Drenthe.

The market square was chosen for this event because harassment in the hospitality industry and on the street is addressed through the “Ask for Angela” project. This will also be highlighted during the opening.

The event concludes with a flash mob featuring youth from 1lovedancecenter by José Fraai. November 27 at 4:30 PM: Launch of Musical ART Video Clip The launch of the video clip takes place at Garage TDI.

In collaboration with Orange the World Assen, Garage TDI has created a video clip with young people from the theater pre-training. The viewer is made aware that violence against women occurs in various places in society. Violence can happen anywhere, where men and women gather; also at work, during social outings, at sports clubs, in public transportation, in education, in healthcare, in student associations, at festivals, at the beach, and not to forget in cyberspace.

After the launch, participants engage in a discussion led by the Center for Sexual Violence and Safe at Home Drenthe. The Musical Art video clip will be widely distributed on social media after the launch. November 29 at 7:30 PM Theme Evening in the council chamber of the municipality of Assen.

A theme evening on “Safe, everywhere and always, now and in the future” took place in the council chamber of the municipality of Assen. Anyone involved in work and/or volunteer work or who is interested was invited.

The evening began with showing the Garage TDI’s video clip and the short film “Dear Diary” about the present and the future. The theme of the evening was further introduced by the Center for Sexual Violence and Safe at Home Drenthe, followed by a speech from Alderman Jan Broekema and Provincial Executive Yvonne Turenhout discussing their approach to street harassment and social safety. Subsequently, a discussion was held.

December 9 Red Shoes at Koopmansplein Assen against Femicide On December 9, the municipal council members of Assen organised an action at Koopmansplein in Assen by putting 43 pairs of red shoes on the pavement, this is the number of women that were killed in 2022 in the Netherlands just because they were women.

This was to draw attention to violence against women and femicide. A pamflet was offered to Mayor Marco Out. Education in Action Drenthe College and the secondary schools Dr. Nassau College and CS Vincent van Gogh displayed the Orange the World flag and organized various activities for students, pupils, and staff to raise awareness about the theme “STOP violence against women”.

Businesses in Action More and more businesses, sports clubs, and socially engaged organizations in Assen color their buildings orange, fly the flag, display #Medestander (#we declare ourselvers ally ) posters, and/or use other means to support the campaign.

Zonta Club of North Sydney is walking for women

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Zonta Club of North Sydney members participated in both a local Council “Walk for Women” and a walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge organised by Zonta Club of Sydney Breakfast to raise awareness of domestic violence.

As well as being visible to the public, we met new people to partner with (both inside and outside Zonta) to support women and work to eliminate domestic violence.

WALL OF Z’s for Zonta Club of Tuguegarao

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On the 10th day of the 16 Days of Activism of the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao dubbed as “A Day of Awareness” signals its strong campaign to END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS.

As such, efforts like engaging students and letting them become allies in efforts to empower women and girls in our society is one of the crucial steps towards achieving gender equality.

So, President. Maria Olivia B. Pascual saw the opportunity to launch the ‘WALL OF Z’s” in 4 public high schools in the Municipality of Lal-lo headed by Mayor Florante “Anteng” Pascual in partnership with the Z-club of Lal-lo National High School.

WALL OF Z’s were created which echoes ZCT’s campaign to raise awareness of the global pandemic of women’s rights violations in line with Zonta International’s campaign. Proudly we serve the Zonta Way.

ZCT warmly appreciates all the Public Schools District Supervisor, School Principals, and Schools who participated:

– Lal-lo National High School

– Magapit National High School

– Logac National High School

– Cabayabasan National High School

By working together, ZCT believes to pave the way to uproot violence on women and girls!

Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County takes action against gender-based violence

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Our “Zonta Says No” activities begin in late October to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month and then tie in to Zonta Says Not and the “16 Days.” This year we coordinated a collection of projects with our Z Club, and local community partners and our club members.

We began with our Boulder High School Pantherz Z Club which created a Silent Witness display in their school library to advocate against sexual assault and domestic violence. They trace large life-sized silhouettes on construction paper which then post a story of a victim killed by violence. These 20 plus silhouettes are on display in the school for a month along with materials about “Zonta Says No” and community victim resources.

A similar display was also created by students from Front Range Community College’s Feminist Club. Here the silhouettes (all with the Zonta Says No logo) were hung throughout the halls of the student center and support materials are provided. We then sponsored a 2-hour presentation by Dr Amy Bonomi, who presented the findings of her recently published book” Recantation and Domestic Violence: The Untold Story.” Co-authored with David Martin, the book illustrates the precise interpersonal dynamics of recantation in criminal cases in which felony-level abuse has occurred.

Finally, each year our club members join our criminal justice community to fund the Beth Haynes Memorial Award and participate in the selection process. As our District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Response team describes it:

“That great time of year again where we get to recognize and honor all the amazing work that our law enforcement partners do for the safety and dignity of domestic violence victims in our community. The Beth Haynes Award is given to a select individual among our law enforcement partners who has demonstrated excellent skills, commitment, and passion in addressing intimate partner violence as a significant public health issue.”

Officer Beth Haynes was shot and killed in 1994, upon arriving at the scene of a domestic dispute. This Award is funded by our club, honors her memory, and encourages continued awareness and response to this prolific public health challenge. We are honored to partner with The Boulder County Domestic Violence Task Force to recognize those who have demonstrated excellence in handling DV cases and protecting victims.

Finally, to have our voice heard in the community, our Advocacy Committee submitted a Guest Opinion entitled Guest opinion: Sheila King: This month, raise awareness to prevent domestic violence and this letter to the Editor Ranelle Randles: Help raise awareness about domestic violence in Colorado.

Zonta Club of New Providence Says NO to Violence Against Women

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During the 16 Days of activism, member of the Zonta Club of New Providence tied orange bows and displayed lawn signs with the Say NO to Violence message throughout the island of New Providence, Bahamas.

The purpose was to remind the country of the importance of this message.

The lawn signs were placed in strategic high-traffic areas to ensure high visibility. Club members also visited parliament and placed orange pins on the parliamentarians and senators to remind the government leaders of the need for ongoing action in relation to women’s rights and violence against women.

Our message was discussed in the House of Assembly and the Senate which was broadcast live to the country. The Head of the Senate praise the club for the work that it has done and continues to do in the country to combat violence against women and girls.

Zonta Club of Mitchell yarn bombs their community to say NO to violence against women

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Zonta Club of Mitchell, a small club of 9 women, combined with the local shire council, police, health services etc.

We are a Shire with a very high rate of family violence. As a club, we thought that family is supposed to be a safe and comforting environment, like a blanket, so we proposed to use yarn bombing with orange blankets to bring to the attention of the local community, the scourge that is family violence and the voice that is Zonta.

We spent several months, crocheting and knitting orange squares, rectangles etc and used our gathering times to put these together into large blankets to fit various trees in our shire. We selected prominent trees in each of the four major towns, sought permits and approval and yarn bombed at the start of the 16 days or activism.

Signs were attached that explained the role of Zonta, and that Zonta says no to violence. Zontians took part in the walk against family violence and at the conclusion of the walk, there was public address from a victim survivor of abuse and the final tree in Seymour was bombed.

Many people asked to be photographed in front of our tree. There were articles in the local newspaper, reports on local radio and social media. The yarn bombing was removed at the end of the 16 days.

Even as we were sewing the blankets around trees we had people stop and ask what was happening, asking about the role of Zonta and the 16 days of activism. There were many comments about the orange trees.

After we had removed the blankets, the shire council contacted us to ask if we would be prepared to wrap a couple of trees in the pop up family park that the shire had constructed for the Christmas and New Year period, so the message of Zonta and No to violence is still out there.

As stated, we are a very small club in a small rural community, and this event has brought the work of Zonta into the public view. We have had some welcome enquiries from women thinking of joining, and offers from others prepared to assist with our work.