To prepare for the orange weeks of advocacy, the Zonta Club of Jyväskylä, Finland, partnered with the Guild of the Finnish Training Air Wing in Kauhava to light up a local aircraft park in orange.
The jet trainer, FM-12 (Fouga CM 170 Magister) was lightened with orange on 25 November in the Aircraft Park in Kauhava municipality in the South Ostrobothnia area.
President Kari Janhunen from the guild found it really important to advocate the end of violence against women and was ready to work right away on this agenda with Area 4’s Director Jenni Koivumäki.
The Zonta Club of Kowloon, Hong Kong, partnered with the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and the Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association (HKSME) to co-organized a Sexual Harassment in the Workplace forum on 27 November for Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong.
The forum offered participants a valuable opportunity to acquire understanding of the legal protections for sexual harassment. The event highlighted the business advantages for implementing anti-sexual harassment measures, including staff retention, increased productivity and enhanced professional image. Conducted in a hybrid format, the forum attracted more than 80 companies, including employers, management personnel, and human resource staff from SMEs in various fields, including construction, real estate, manufacturing, professional and business services, accommodation and food service industries.
Speakers at the Forum includes:
Ricky Chu Man-kin, chair of the Equal Opportunities Commission.
Club President Ada Fung.
Andrew Kwok , chair of the Hong Kong Small & Medium Enterprises Association.
Winnie Teoh, the club’s advocacy committee chair and Past International Director.
Wong Lok-yung, the organizer of Hong Kong Women Workers’ Association.
Ricky said, “Combating workplace sexual harassment has always been a priority for the EOC. With enhanced understanding of the issue, we hope more SMEs will adopt a proactive and professional approach to prevent and handle sexual harassment in the workplace.”
Andrew said, “As responsible employers, companies should adopt reasonable measures to prevent workplace sexual harassment. They also want to know practical and feasible ways to implement internal policies to prevent possible legal responsibilities.”
Ada advocated that we should give zero tolerance to any sexual harassment behavior in the workplace. She and the club hope that the forum will strengthen understanding of this issue and encourage the creation of a harassment-free working environment.
Winnie advised findings from a survey sponsored by the club in 2021, that found sexual harassment in the workplace was highly prevalent in Hong Kong. The study recommended that employers should implement anti-sexual harassment policies and provide appropriate training for employees.
Lok-yung offered suggestions on effective measures to prevent sexual harassment in employment.
The three co-organizers will continue to address the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace in the coming years.
The Zonta Club of Chia-Yi, Taiwan, joined the Festival for Immigrants on 19 November to champion women’s rights and drum up the fight against violence.
About 2.04% of residents in Chia Yi in central Taiwan are immigrants. The festival was organized by the city government to promote harmony and inclusiveness of the multi-cultural city.
Posing with Vietnamese women performing in their traditional outfit, the club held placards which read, “Build a better world for women and girls” and “Say No to Violence Against Women” at the festival. They spread Zonta’s messages while calling for equal rights for immigrants, especially women and girls, who have settled in Chia Yi and made it their home.
SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Zonta Club of Spearfish’s Festival of Trees is marking its 32nd year, bringing a festive celebration and a meaningful fundraiser to the community. This free event, running from now until Saturday, serves as both a celebration of the holiday season and a fundraising effort to support local non-profits or organizations dedicated to helping women and children.
Donations help with the following Zonta projects: -Providing clothing and supplies to needy families -Grants to local non-profits -Scholarships to high school and college students -“Zonta Says NO” – end domestic violence campaign -And more
The Zonta Club’s mission is to serve the Spearfish community by recognizing and supporting the needs of women and children. The Festival of Trees is a way to raise money to continue that work. This festival features beautifully decorated trees donated by sponsors, businesses, and individuals throughout the city. The trees will be available for auction on Friday night, with a $30 admission fee for those participating in the bidding.
Katie Peterson, member of the Zonta Club, shared details about the event, saying, “We then do our auction night Friday, and then our trees are delivered on Saturday to all the residences or places of business that end up winning the trees.” Beyond the tree auction, the festival offers a range of activities for attendees to enjoy and alongside the tree auction, a silent auction will feature baskets filled with goodies from local groups. Notably, an electric foldable bike will be part of the auction items. Schedule for Festival of Trees: Wednesday, November 29: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Opening Day (Open to the Public)
Thursday, November 30: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. – Open to the Public 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Senior Tea 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Special Musical Performance
Friday, December 1: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Open to the Public 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Social before Auction ($30 Admission) 7 p.m. – Auction
Saturday, December 2: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Open to the Public 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Saturday with Santa (Free Admission) 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Story Time (Free book for each child – while supplies last) Check out the trees and wreaths for the festival below, and figure out which one you would bid for! Tree and Wreath for Auction at the Zonta Club’s Festival of Trees “A Bootiful Christmas” by Real Estate Center Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Peace on Earth” by the Christians Team Updated Nov 29, 2023
“It is Frosty Out There” by Black Hills Psychology Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Vintage Christmas” by Pioneer Bank and Trust Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Winter in the Black Hills” by Amann Dental Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Nightmare Before Christmas” by Nelson Chiropractic Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Let it Snow!” by Chris Gengler and Lora Winton Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Fishing Fun” by Nancy Pummel Cole Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Starry Night” by TD Landscaping Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Candy Cane Lane” by Monument Health Updated Nov 29, 2023
“A Peaceful Holiday Season” by Mediation Matters Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Children’s Package” by Black Hills Federal Credit Union Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Merry & Bright” by Belle Vice Creations Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Vintage Farm House Christmas” by Our Saviors Lutheran Church Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Barbie World” by Quik Signs Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Hot Cocoa Bar” by Monument Health Surgery Center Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Chocolate Delights” by Jackson Dental Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Walking in a Woodland Wonderland” by Visit Spearfish / Mistie Caldwell Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Sweet Retro” by SoDak Title Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Seasons Greetings” by Moxie Marketing Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Ain’t Christmas Sweet” by SoDak Title Updated Nov 29, 2023
“What he Sees” by Kathy Caudill Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Candyland Christmas Wreath” by Security First Bank Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Silver Bells” by Bent Willow Designs Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Silent Night” by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Red & Rustic” by Northern Hills SOS Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Holly Jolly” by NH CASA Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Candyland Canyon Christmas” by Spearfish Canyon Resorts Updated Nov 29, 2023
“BAH HUMBUG!” by Black Hills Pioneer Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Truck Decor” by American Legion Aux Spearfish Unit Updated Nov 29, 2023
“It’s a Wine O Christmas” by White’s Canyon Ford Updated Nov 29, 2023
“Candy Curls & Christmas Swirls” by Sundance State Bank Updated Nov 29, 2023
Cash Sponsors from Last Year Updated Nov 29, 2023
Grant Sponsors from Last Year Updated Nov 29, 2023
Olean Mayor Bill Aiello issued a special proclamation for Zonta Club declaring “No to Domestic Violence” at this past week’s Common Council meeting. The proclamation states that Zonta “envisions a world where no woman lives in fear of violence” and in an effort to build a better world for women it advocates for those who have suffered gender-based violence through its local clubs. From left are Marcia Nandillon, the mayor, Diane Balaban and Greatchen Coppola. The Zonta Club has encircled trees on North Union Street and Lincoln Park with orange ribbons to honor the victims of domestic violence and to raise awareness to this cause.
The Zonta Club of Verden is once again taking part in numerous activities to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on November 25th.
In order to send a common signal with the network against violence against women, the Zonta Club of Verden organized an “Orange Walk” for the second time, during which, items such as orange scarves or fairy lights are worn.
The “Orange Walk” began on Friday, November 24th, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. at the corner of Herrlichkeit and Große Str. and ended at Lugenstein with participation in a vigil organized by ver.di and the DGB. This year there was also a femicide in Verden.
The traditional charity film screening took place at Cine City on Saturday, November 25th, 2023 at 3 p.m. We showed the film “The Conductor”. As in 2022, various signals were set in orange. Zonta says NO banners are hung at numerous public institutions, police stations, schools, churches, law firms, shops and museums in the district. Wooden chairs or benches were painted in orange with a note on emergency numbers, shop windows and interiors were decorated with orange colored shoes on orange colored blankets and informational material.
They took part in the actions and showed the orange signals during the UN’s “16 days of Activism,” which ends on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
For the 11th Annual Zonta Says NO to Violence campaign, the Christchurch 3 clubs and the Waimakairi Club formed a hard working committee.
The annual inaugural event opened by the Zonta Club Christchurch South, was a wonderful success. It was held in our post earthquake Art Gallery. The guest speakers were diverse and had compelling messages in line with the importance of the key message.
At the end of the evening, our District 16 Governor threw the switch that lite the whole building orange. One of our successes is a large electronic 24/7 sign on the corner of an arterial route around the city. This will be supported by the “Orange mystery tour” on the 6th December.
The clubs will combine for “orange mocktails” and orange cupcakes to then tour the “Orange lights”. As previously highlighted, the Dragon Boating features the orange theme and the Say NO to violence message. Their tremendous efforts are happily offset by a lot of laughs and shared hospitality at the end of each rigorous training session.
The importance of the message for all age groups has been well supported by a number of libraries with displays right at the entry. in other words, you can’t miss the message! Under the new initiative of Governor Phillippa Jacobs-Lory, the Chair has linked with and supported the South Island Clubs for the first time. Next year we look forward to strengthening these links and seeking a stronger message during these 16 days of activism.
Zonta Club of Port Lincoln hosted a dinner last Saturday on day one of the United Nation Women’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.
A three-course meal was enjoyed by guests who added an orange flair to their attire for the night, in honour of the United Nations’ chosen colour to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls.
Yarredi Services organised the guest speaker for the night, Rabia Aftab of Zahra Services.
Zonta Club of Port Lincoln president Kaaren Coleman introduced the evening with a poignant reminder of Bishop Desmond Tutu’s observation.
“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river, we need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in,” she recited.
Ms Aftab was joined by Zahra chief executive officer Kelly-Ann Tansley for support and spoke about her move to Australia from Pakistan.
At the time she was in a marriage experiencing domestic violence.
Ms Aftab said her experience leaving her marriage in a new country that did not recognise her Pakistani university qualifications meant she faced many challenges, especially with South Australian systems as she tried to establish her independence.
Ms Tansley reminded the audience that in the past week, it was alleged four women in South Australia had died due to domestic and family violence.
She urged residents to back a call to parliament for a Royal Commission into family violence.
A letter template can be found at zahrafoundation.org.au/advocacy – this letter, along with resident’s full name and full address can be emailed to the Premier if they wish to support the call.
The evening had a range of representatives from different service providers present, including Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation, West Coast Youth and Community Services and Yarredi Services.
The Port Lincoln foreshore lights will be lit in orange for the full 16 days, as organised by Zonta.
Residents can keep an eye out for the ‘orange ladies’ – timber cutouts painted orange that will be scattered around town for the 16 days.
Orange finger buns will also be available at the Beach Bakery for a limited time.
The hashtags to raise awareness for the cause are #generationequality #spreadtheword and #orangetheworld.
The 16 Days of Activism ends on Sunday, December 10 – Human Rights Day.
For the 2023 Zonta Says NO Campaign, Zonta Club of Montevideo has chosen this year to run a campaign on the networks, placing an allusive poster every day to raise awareness and make visible the importance of ending violence against women and girls.
The campaign started November 25 and will continue until December 10.
Residents would have noticed a splash of colour around Lake Macquarie at the moment.
But, behind the vibrant façade, is a strong message the Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle hopes will attract plenty of attention.
Members recently set up a very interesting yarn bombing display at the Rotunda, in Warners Bay, to acknowledge 16 Days of Activism from 25 November to 10 December.
It also ties in with the organisation’s biggest annual advocacy campaign Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women.
Lake Macquarie City mayor Kay Fraser was on hand to officially kick-start the initiative, which included a “Spirit of the Lagoon” dance from Belmont High School students and several guest speakers.
“Council and Zonta worked closely for several months to achieve the striking tree wrapping,” she said.
“However, it’s all about gaining the community’s attention to the plight of domestic violence (DV).
“It is powerful yet sad to need to have such an event.”
Zonta vice-president Jill Maclachlan admitted the exhibit had already drawn much interest throughout the community. “This is a first for the club,” she said.
“Members have been knitting and crocheting strips of yarn for some time.
“The exhibition’s a wonderful way to expose the tragic topic of domestic violence to locals and visitors alike. “Many trees are decorated with orange flowers or hearts.
“Mainly because that colour symbolises a bright and optimistic future free from violence against women and girls. “If only it were that easy.
“The display also creates great visibility for our club in the region as well as promoting the work of Zonta.
“We have a mask exhibit at the Belmont and Charlestown libraries, too, for the 16 Days of Activism.
“They represent the range of emotions women experience during DV.”
Join us in saying NO 