Join the movement: Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte’s 16 days of activism

The Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte launched a 16-day activism campaign, each day featuring a different action. The club’s goal was to raise awareness, and they did that and more with making significant noise in reaffirming commitment to service and advocacy programs. Their efforts addressed crucial issues such as preventing teenage pregnancy, promoting financial literacy and fostering women’s rights. Through educational forums, community outreach and continuous support, they transformed countless lives, paving the way for a more just and inclusive future.

Click here to watch the 2022 and 2023 video.

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

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

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.

Zonta Club of North Sydney is walking for women

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.

Zonta Club of New Providence Says NO to Violence Against Women

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 Peconic Bay uses networking to Say NO to Violence Against Women

Peconic Bay Zonta member Mona Rowe was on a road trip this summer, passing through Nevada. She spotted a thrift shop in Carson City, noticed a sign for Advocates to End Domestic Violence, and stopped to talk to personnel in the thrift shop and in the organization’s headquarters, a total of three women.

She learned about their comprehensive services, including 24/7/365 crisis and texting lines, a shelter, counseling support groups, and court advocates. Then she shared information about Zonta International and fall campaign for Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women.

The four women had a productive exchange of ideas, especially about fund raising. Unfortunately, the Carson City organization does not have the resources to aid women outside of the state of Nevada, making cooperative projects with Zonta unlikely. Nevertheless, networking – year round – is always a good thing.

And everyone was encouraged to talk about shared values. Mona said goodbye, promising to highlight the organization on Peconic Bay’s website. And she did on November 25, 2023, the first days of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

Zonta Club of Tortola ‘oranges’ the British Virgin Islands

Zonta Club of Tortola once again ‘oranged’ the British Virgin Islands (BVI) as part of the global campaign: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Zonta Club of Tortola joined forces with local groups Unite BVI Foundation, Girl Up, F.E.M.A.L.E., WIN British Virgin Islands, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and others to participate in various activities on Tortola and Virgin Gorda.

This included interviews with community leaders and a keynote address by special guest, Ms. Ronelle King, a Multi-Award-Winning Gender Rights Activist. Ms. King, who visited the BVI from Barbados, founded Life In Leggings: Caribbean Alliance Against gender-based Violence to eradicate regional occurrences of gender-based violence.

The activities culminated in a march throughout the capital, Road Town on Saturday December 9th, 2023. While the Enis Adams Primary School Drum Corps led the way, various groups carried placards and banners and chanted, “Say No to Violence against Women and Girls!” The public was encouraged to take a stand against gender-based Violence.

Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, Zontians could be seen hanging banners and decorating trees with orange bows and signs throughout Road Town. Zontians also shared Facebook posts with tips on how the public could support women and girls who suffer from gender-based violence.

Radio ads illustrated the real-life conversations which take place regarding domestic and gender-based violence and let the community know where to seek help.

Zonta Club of Laguna launches Cyber Crime Awareness Campaign

Eighty five people attended the event hosted by Zonta Club of Laguna, Philippines via zoom.

The speaker from the National Bureau of Investigation gave a very powerful and highly informative presentation regarding cybercrime awareness – to make people be more vigilant so they dont become a victim.

The action is important because by understanding the evolving threats in our interconnected world, we can take proactive measures to protect ourselves and preserve our digital identities. Learning how to avoid and prevent cybercrime empowers us to take action and contribute to creating a safer online environment for all.

The goals were achieved through careful planning and execution. The impact of raising awareness on cyber crime is significant for the mission of Zonta. By educating individuals about the threats and providing knowledge on prevention and action, Zonta helps protect people and their digital identities in our interconnected world.

This event is important to the local community because it empowers community members to safeguard themselves against evolving cyber threats. By learning how to avoid and prevent cyber crime, individuals become more resilient and better equipped to navigate the digital landscape, ensuring the safety of their personal and financial information. Additionally, it fosters a sense of collective responsibility in the community to work together in the fight against cyber crime.

Zonta Club of Noosa organizes a walk against domestic violence

Sunday morning by the river is the place to be for locals and tourists in Noosa – a perfect opportunity to spread awareness of the risks, impact and dangers of gender-based violence as part of Zonta International’s 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence.

Held annually by the Zonta Club of Noosa, this year’s event attracted State and local Council representatives, Zonta members and supporters and local media, with more men attending this year than ever. Zonta Noosa President, Robyn O’Neill said, “to end violence against women we need to challenge attitudes that perpetuate, rationalise and normalise that violence and deny women’s rights to safety. Shifting behaviours is hard and slow but gender equality means all of us and working with all genders is the only way to see true change. We need the men to stand beside the women all the way. While men can be victims as well, they are overwhelmingly the perpetrators of gender based violence.“

After a week chairing public hearings held by the Youth Justice Reform Select Committee, Noosa MP Sandy Bolton told the group what she had heard taught her much more than a discussion was needed. “What we’ve seen in households across Queensland – it starts right there. It’s all interconnected. The children who are coming out of those households – it is deeply disturbing that we haven’t broken the cycle and we have so much more to do.

“What we have found is there’s a lack of communication to the assistance available and also the early interventions that happen right in our schools. Just about every witness I’ve heard this week has said it takes a community, it takes a society. It’s not just up to government or one person, it takes all of us.

“I ask you to spread the word that there is help and within the homes to reach out. If you don’t know who to reach out to call council, call myself, call somebody and we will connect you. And I encourage you to follow Zonta on Facebook.“

In the news: Safe room opens at police station with help of Zonta Club of Pine Rivers

A newly created victim statement room is now operational at Petrie Police Station. The room provides a safe place for domestic and sexual abuse victims, as well as other vulnerable people, to speak with police and provide statements.

The Zonta Club of Pine Rivers worked with the station’s Officer-in-Charge to furnish the newly designated space.

Club President Bronwyn Evans says her members raised money to buy furniture, including a sofa and coffee table, to make the room more comfortable for those using it.

“We also provided soft furnishings to bring warmth to the room and make the experience less intimidating,” Bronwyn explains.
“We have also purchased toys and books for any children who accompany the person using the room.”

Police station ‘safe rooms’ were one of the recommendations of the Independent Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service responses to domestic and family Violence.

Senior Constable Keith Morris from the QPS Moreton District Vulnerable Persons Unit inspected the room at Petrie Police Station during an informal earlier this month.

“The Zonta Club of Pine Rivers has created a room which feels comfortable and secure, using calming colours and furnishings,” he says.

“Attending a police station to report serious offences can be an uncomfortable experience and this space will be excellent to assist police when speaking with victims of domestic violence and other traumatic offences.

“The creation of this room supports police acting in a trauma-informed way to get the best possible outcomes for victims.”
Zonta Clubs throughout Queensland are working with local police stations to furnish and equip the safe rooms that have been designated.

It is part of Zonta District 22’s ‘Soft Rooms’ project.

“Zonta International’s mission is to build a better world for women and girls. It envisions a world in which no woman lives in fear of violence,” Bronwyn says.

“We hope this project helps local victims know there is a safe place available to report, and escape, violence.”

Source: https://www.moretondaily.com.au/news/safe-room-opens-at-petrie-police-station