Zonta Club of Cleveland promotes women’s reproductive rights for the 16 Days of Activism

December 22, 2022Zonta International Leave a comment

On 30 November, the Zonta Club of Cleveland, USA, along with several other community organizations, partnered with the City Club of Cleveland to bring social justice forum entitled “The Changing Landscape of Reproductive Rights.”

After the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization completely altered the legal landscape for access to abortion, the future of legal protections for abortion has become increasingly uncertain.

The forum featured Fatima Goss Graves, the president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, and Helen Forbes Fields, the president and CEO of YWCA of Greater Cleveland, to discuss this evolving issue and the legal strategies developed and deployed to address growing concerns.

“One in four women in this country have access to abortion care, and we shouldn’t pretend like that is not a fact. I trust them to make the decisions they need to make for themselves and their families,” said Fatima.

Click here to watch a video or podcast on the forum.

Zonta Club of Fredericksburg brings awareness of violence against women to their town

December 22, 2022Zonta International Leave a comment

To bring awareness of violence against women to their town, the Zonta Club of Fredericksburg, USA, placed a Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women banner on their Main Street in the heart of the downtown shopping area. During the holidays, tens of thousands of visitor flock to the site.

The club also made a huge Zonta Says NO display on the grounds of the Old Pioneer Library. The display includes a QR code that took audiences to the club’s website explaining the 16 Days of Activism.

Zonta Club of Dhaka III holds successful 16 Days of Activism campaign

December 21, 2022December 21, 2022Zonta International Leave a comment

During the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, participated in various programs to say NO to violence against women and children. This year, the club strived to help underprivileged children, empower women in remote areas who lost their homes and help rape victims rehabilitate themselves.

Realizing the importance of sanitation and hygiene, the club built four toilets for those living in remote and underprivileged areas and distributed blankets and Zonta t-shirts. They also taught the children the importance of education, avoiding early marriage and menstrual health.

On 10 December, the club met with Zontians Marion Bethel and Pamela Morgan to talk about the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which Bangladesh ratified in 1984, being one of 189 countries to have done so.

Zonta Club of Makati Central Business shines the spotlight on abuse and violence faced by overseas Filipino workers

December 21, 2022December 21, 2022Zonta International Leave a comment

To spotlight the abuse and violence overseas Filipino workers (OFW) face, Zonta Club of Makati Central Business, the Philippines, hosted a holiday party for the OFWs. More than 50 women attended.

According to the country’s data, most Filipinos working abroad are women and single mothers. With a dream to have the best education for her children and to secure the family’s future, the mother will strive to work overseas. Around the world, Filipinos are considered to be the best nannies, caregivers, nurses and teachers. OFWs are the unsung heroes of their country.

The club prepared simple meals and gifts for the OFWs. Former Philippine Senator Nikki Coseteng gave a brief talk about the status of women. The event was made possible through the generosity and kindness of the club’s charter President Lita Lee, Past President Lina Bagsic, Zontian Yves Mendoza, Zontian Melinda Go, and Zontian. Roda Tanco.

The holiday event allowed the club to introduce the organization and Zonta’s advocacy to a broader audience.

Zonta Club of Oil City-Franklin lights Center Street Bridge in orange

December 21, 2022December 21, 2022Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta Clu of Oil City-Franklin, USA, kicked off their Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women club action at the Center Street Bridge, where they lit the bridge in orange.

Zontians in District 17, Area 5, rally together for Solidarity Walk

December 21, 2022December 21, 2022Zonta International 1 Comment

Through the initiative of the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, the Philippines, Zonta clubs across District 17, Area 5, came together for a Solidarity Walk to culminate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign on 10 December. More than 300 women, girls and men gathered together and stood as one to say NO to violence against women and girls.

The club invited 25-year-old Katya Lichauco as the Solidary Walk’s guest speaker. Katya is the editor of Big Deal: An Anthology of Filipino Women’s Stories and Art and co-author and managing editor of Fearless Filipinas II. She is currently a Content and Social Media Associate at Kindred Health, the first hybrid women’s clinic in the Philippines. In her simplicity and honesty, Katya inspired the audience.

District 32 holds Build a Better World for Women and Girls walkathon in Seoul

December 21, 2022Zonta International Leave a comment

To kick off the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, District 32, the Republic of Korea (South Korea), held a Build a Better World for Women and Girls Walkathon on 26 November.

District Governor Unna Huh organized the walkathon; Zontians and gender advocates met at Seoul Forest Gunma Statue wearing orange t-shirts to promote a meaning of solidarity that transcends gender and generations.

“Let’s work together to create a better world by utilizing Zonta’s spirit of dedication and passion for service. This event is the beginning of a small volunteer service for neighbors suffering from violence, poverty and disease in celebration of the Week for the Eradication of Violence against Women,” said Unna. “We stand against all violence against people.”

The walkathon was held simultaneously across the country, including Seoul Forest in Seoul, Haeundae in Busan, Daejeon Museum of Art, Suseongmot Lake in Daegu, and Jangdo in Yeosu.

Throughout the rest of the 16 Days of Activism, the district held a “Zonta for Women” program during South Korea’s special week on sexual violence for women living as victims of poverty, sexism, violence and defenseless girls from vulnerable groups around the world.

Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao Says NO on the 16 Days of Activism

December 21, 2022October 3, 2023Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, planned an activity for each day of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.

Day 1

The club kicked off the 16 Days of Activism by releasing a special episode about ending violence against women and girls in their “All About Eve” podcast.

Day 2

The club conducted the Zonta Info Caravan in a local neighborhood to capacitate barangay officials in preventing and responding to gender-based violence through a series of lectures on laws focused on women’s rights, redress of violence against women and girls and human trafficking.

Day 3

The club put up orange-themed tarps and social media profiles and expressed their stag against gender-based violence on social media.

Day 4

Partnering with the Department of Trade and Industry and the University of Cagayan Valley School of Business Administration and Governance, the club conducted a seminar on consumer patron and anti-violence against women and children and the Consumers Act. The seminar aimed to spread awareness of consumer rights and the salient provisions of the law in the Philippines against gender-based violence.

Day 5

In honor of the women and girls who died due to gender-based violence, the club released a video montage of members wearing red dresses as a part of the Red Dress Campaign.

Day 6

In collaboration with the Tuguegarao City Cagayan Dental Chapter and Rotary Club of Tuguegarao Rainbow, the club brought “Kalinga Kay Juana” to the Tuguegarao City District Jail’s female dormitory. The activity aims to raise mental health awareness and oral hygiene among 20 participating female inmates. At the end of the talks, two female detainees had one-on-one counseling sessions, and the club passed out hygiene kits for all inmates.

Day 7

On Giving Tuesday, the club donated US$3,600 to the Zonta Foundation for Women and attended the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Online Summit.

Day 8

As a Day of Advocacy, the club created a video featuring local leaders, such as Mayor Maila Ting Que, to show their support against gender-based violence.

Day 9

Through its Fundraising Committee, the club partnered with the Young Moms Empowerment Program to cook delicious chicken longganisa. The program is an-ongoing livelihood program to help young mothers with their financial needs.

Day 10

The club released an article about the pervasiveness of gender-based violence, which you can find here: https://www.facebook.com/zccentraltuguegarao/posts/pfbid0hPjH4Bs4t2aAYHbpKZmaTo86ot9TVBgSAC5yyZHf66X8keNiBXLVbSD54Wujs7Kml .

Day 11

Standing in unity and paying tribute to all survivors of gender-based violence, the club invited strong women who bravely share their stories of pain, survival and healing.

Day 12

The club conducted a seminar on cyber violence with the Cagayan State University’s College of Business Entrepreneurship and Accountancy Golden Z Club and the school’s student council. Zontian Maria Milagros “Mitoy” Cayosa lectured the students about cyber violence, its impact on the victims and how to address and reduce cyber violence.

During the open forum, students share their experiences, both personally and as a bystander.

Day 13

As a day of outreach, the club reached out to their local legislators to regard gender-based violence as a social problem and to urge them to pass and improve anti-violence against women ordinances. They also collected letters from their Z and Golden Z clubs and delivered them to their local representatives.

Day 14

The club launched its 2022-2023 “Search for the Most Violence Against Women (VAW) -Responsive Barangay” program in Tuguegarao City. About 29 Barangays will be participating in the year-long event to shed light on issues concerning the approach to VAW and make the city move towards a 100% VAW-responsive community.

Past Area Director Mila Catabay Lauigan also proposed a women’s shelter for the area. Zontian Maria Milagros Cayosa gave an update on the establishment of a permanent gender and development center.

Day 15

As the Day of Service, the club donated birthing kits to multiple birthing centers and clinics in the area.

Many birthing centers have good facilities, and the donated kits ensure a clean and safe experience for low-income expecting mothers. The kits include underpads, receiving blankets, sterile gloves, maternity pads, sterile gauze pads, sterile scalpel blades, biodegradable plastic bags, bar soaps, umbilical cord clamps, alcohol pads, bulb syringes and diapers.

Through this project, the club promotes the well-being of newborns and the equally important health of marginalized women who enter motherhood, for they will take on a great responsibility as they hold their babies for the first time.

Day 16

On the last day, the club gathered with the Z Club of Cagayan National High School and members of the soon-to-be-established Golden Z Club of Cayan State University – College of Engineering and Architecture to visit the Zonta Forest and Garden.

Everyone planted 576 Narra wildlings have a higher survival rate as they are being transplanted from the wild and into more conducive parts of the forest.

This event is one of the many tree-planting activities in the 5-hectare area under the club’s care in partnership with the Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District. To date, more than 2,000 trees have been planted.

In the news: “Music, sharing and networking between associations for the charity concert of Zonta Club Taranto

December 9, 2022December 9, 2022Zonta International Leave a comment

It was a “magical” evening, as the many present who attended to support the service that the Zonta Taranto Club dedicated to the non-profit organization ” Gli Amici di Manaus ” liked to define it on the evening of Friday 2 December at the Salone degli Specchi of the Palazzo di Città of Taranto.

“Where words fail … music speaks”, began the president of ZCT Evelyn Zappimbulso who, quoting Beethoven, invited everyone to listen with the universal language of music which, even on difficult topics, can make inroads in a vast audience and varied.
The evening, conducted by the Zontian partner of ceremonies Silvia Abeille , inserted in the 16 days of activism, starting from the motivations of the day of November 25, established to draw attention to gender-based violence, wanted to celebrate the pact of alliance that Zonta Club Taranto has closely with the associations active in the area that have been active for the protection of human rights for years.

Zonta member Silvia Abeille Master of Ceremonies

In particular with the non-profit organization “Gli Amici di Manaus”, which operates on various fronts: from the food emporium, to social-health accompaniment, to active support for the congregation of nuns in Manaus, up to the help of “neighbors”, families in difficulty in our area. The service of the evening, entirely dedicated to the non-profit organization, benefited from the special donation of another association. Fabio Matacchiera, president of the Taranto Antidioxin Fund, joining the charitable purposes and sharing the mission of Zonta, wanted to pay homage to the president Giovanni De Giorgio and the vice president Adriano D’Altriof the non-profit organization “Gli Amici di Manaus”, with a large sum of as well as the presence of numerous activists of his association.

An evening of music signed a synergy of actions that are transformed into a network of support and help between associations that have the good of people at heart, therefore of the entire community.

Fabio Matacchiera President Antidioxin Fund Taranto

The event was enlivened by the performance of music teachers and Corsicans who, between a score and a piece, were accompanied by the applause of the whole hall. The musical curtain was opened by Simone Mairo from the piano class of Prof. Palmira Esposito (Zonta member); the Parsifal Polyphonic Choir then performed, directed by Maestro Andrea Crastolla , president Annarita Di Sansebastiano and vice president Anna Sturino (member of Zonta), with maestro Daniele Chiappini on the piano and prof.ssa Francesca Schirinzi on the violin. Finally the exhibition of the very young students of the‘String Orchestra of the Liceo Musicale “Archita” of Taranto, conducted by Prof. Cosima Meluccui , who wished those present a Holy Christmas on the notes of the Pastorale Tarantina.

Choir Parsifal Maestro Crastolla

Class of Strings from the Liceo Archite Prof.ssa Melucci

Maestro Daniele Chiappini on piano and Prof. Francesca Schirinzi on violin

Parsifal Choir President Annarita Disansebastiano and Vice President Anna Sturino (member zonta)

Archite high school string class

Among the supporters of the initiative are also the women of the newly established association ” Opportunity for Equality “, with the president Sabrina Pontrelli and the President of the Commission for Equal Opportunities, the City Councilor Bianca Boshniaku.

President of the Commission for Equal Opportunities Boshniaku Bianca

As foreseen by the international statute, the concert was started and closed with the ringing of the Zonta bell and the reading of the Zontian creed by the youngest member Rossella Galeone .

Member Rossella Galeone_reading of the Zontian Creed

This year Zonta Club Taranto did not join the thousand demonstrations of November 25, letting a date that is now too often inflated and abused for the use and consumption of propaganda slogans flow in silence which, with the spotlights and microphones turned off, fall into oblivion of anniversaries to be dusted off the next year. But he wanted to deliver his message to a charity concert, which in any case falls within the 16 days of Zontian activism.

In fact, there are several initiatives that Zonta Club Taranto puts in place in this period and which continue throughout the year. Together with the non-profit organization “Gli Amici di Manaus” it will support local welfare initiatives; the project “Building the Culture of Respect” will continue for the tenth consecutive year in the schools of the Ionian area, starting from next December 12 and which will involve the students of the Hotel Institute of Pulsano with the criminal lawyer Antonella De Marco (Zonta member). On 17 December it will support the “Multicentrum” project of the Casa di Sofia with a donation, a charity event of the “Voce dei Bambini”, organized by the principal Gianni Tartaglia, now in its sixth edition.

The activism of Zonta Taranto members has been working to the bitter end, with passion and courage, since 1977, the year of its foundation. The members therefore wanted to celebrate their over forty-year action in the field with a charity concert, in defense and support of women’s rights.

Members Zonta Club Taranto

“ Sometimes words are not enough. And then you need the colors. And the shapes. And the notes. And the emotions ”_Alessandro Baricco
https://www.corrierepl.it/2022/12/03/musica-condivisione-e-rete-tra-associazioni-per-il-concerto-di-beneficenza-di-zonta-club-taranto/?doing_wp_cron=1670613273.9718890190124511718750