Zonta Says NO

In the news: Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle yarn bombers add significant splash of colour at Warners Bay

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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.”

Source: https://newcastleweekly.com.au/zonta-yarn-bombers-add-a-splash-of-colour-at-warners-bay/

In the news: Zonta Club of Janesville participates in 16 days of activism against gender-based violence

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JANESVILLE – The Zonta Club of Janesville is participating in an international campaign, 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, to inspire action and end violence against women and girls.

The Zonta’s “I say NO to Gender-Based Violence” awareness campaign began Saturday, Nov. 25 and will continue until Sunday, Dec. 10.

In honor of the campaign, the pedestrian bridge at ARISE Town Square was lit orange from Nov. 25 to Nov. 30.

There’s also a silhouette outside of the Janesville Woman’s Club featuring messages about Gender-Based Violence.

“Violence has no place in our community. It needs to be eradicated,” Zonta Club president Cathy Myers said in a release. “We’re hoping to drive home that point through these activities.”

Club members will also engage in a social media campaign about the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence.

Source: https://www.gazettextra.com/community/community_briefs/zonta-club-participates-in-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence/article_4b133ff4-8f02-11ee-8520-87ddb0b61e52.html

In the news: Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley Joins 16 Days of Activism

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Photo Source: SCV News

“Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” is championed by Zonta Clubs worldwide. The Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley joins the annual awareness and educational campaign which takes place during the United Nations 16 days of Activism from Nov. 25 through Dec. 10.

In 2016, the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley, in collaboration with the Domestic Violence Center, City of Santa Clarita and the local Sheriff’s Department, formed Zonta’s “SCV Red Dress Project” to raise awareness of domestic violence within the community by displaying red dresses and a red vest that represent individuals who have lost their lives through domestic violence. The display symbolizes the reality of domestic violence and the impact it has in our community. Standing together with Zonta and highlighting the SCV Red Dress Project campaign is the Assistance League Resale store located at 26045 Bouquet Canyon Road, Santa Clarita. From Nov. 25 – Dec. 10, customers will see red dresses hanging throughout the store and informational brochures will be available at the registers.

“Having meaningful conversations with community members, and forging partnerships with other local organizations raises awareness about the impact of domestic violence in our community,” said Nicole Miller, Zonta Club of SCV president. “With the club’s focus on ending gender-based violence, these connections send a strong message to the community that we stand together in saying no to violence against women!”

Globally, Zonta International’s ongoing efforts to end violence against women and girls are carried out through the Zonta’s International Service Program and Zonta’s partnerships with the United Nations. Zonta International established the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign in Nov. 2012.

Currently, thirty-five percent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. “Zonta envisions a world where no woman lives in fear of violence. Through the ‘Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women’ campaign, our members and allies stand together, uniting our voices to advocate for all those who have suffered gender-based violence,” said Ute Scholz, Zonta International president. “Zonta is needed now, more than ever, to continue its work to end violence and build a better world for women and girls.” To learn more about the worldwide campaign, please visit www.zontasaysno.com.

Zonta International (www.zonta.org) is a leading global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls. More than 27,000 members in 62 countries work together to make gender equality a worldwide reality for women and girls.

To learn more about Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley, go to www.scvzonta.org.

Source: https://scvnews.com/zonta-scv-joins-u-n-s-16-days-of-activism/

In the news: Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent is saying NO to violence against women

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Dozens of people took part in a demonstration at the Parry Street Bridge in Chatham to show support for women who have been the victims of violence, Nov 25, 2021. (Photo by Kirk Dickinson/99.1 News)
Source: CKXS

A pair of local groups have partnered to stand in solidarity and raise awareness about the violence and abuse women face around the world.

The Chatham-Kent Coordinating Committee to End Violence Against Women will be holding a flag-raising ceremony at the Civic Centre in Chatham on Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. to recognize November as Woman Abuse Prevention Month.

“We’re hoping that people understand that [violence against women] is not some sort of new or recent phenomenon,” said Karen Hunter, executive director of the Chatham-Kent Women’s Center and co-chair of the committee. “It’s time to start talking about it. It’s time to start recognizing that this is a really serious issue in our community as well.”

Following the flag raising at 12:15 p.m., committee members will join the Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent for the “Say No on the Bridge” rally on the Third Street Bridge. The aim of the demonstration is to inspire action against violence against women.

“Many times women are being attacked, sexually assaulted or brutalized in their own homes. We want people to recognize that this type of violence against women, against girls, against children, should not be tolerated anywhere, it has no place in our society,” said Hunter. “All of us have that responsibility to do something about it and we all need to take a stand and say that this needs to end.”

The rally is open to the public and those who attend are encouraged to bring signs with the slogan “Zonta Says No to Violence against Women” or any slogan that encompasses the idea.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in open discussions, learn about support resources, and actively participate in the movement to end violence against women.

In the news: Zonta Club of Port Lincoln recognizes an important time to raise awareness

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Gabbi Winters at Port Lincoln Gourmet Box Co with one of the visiting orange ladies, which are raising awareness for the elimination of violence against women and girls. PHOTO: CHARLOTTE MARTIN 376400_01
Source: Port Lincoln Times

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was marked on Saturday, November 25.

Orange is the United Nations’ chosen colour to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls.

The Zonta Club of Port Lincoln has scattered orange timber cut outs dubbed the “orange ladies” around the city to help raise awareness over the 16 days of activism, to help eliminate domestic violence.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics Personal Safety Survey for 2021-22 found one in four women and one in 14 men had experienced violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare said there was a wide range of definitions currently used for concepts relating to family, domestic and sexual violence, with no single definition in Australia.

The term encompasses a wide range of behaviours and harms that can occur in both family and non-family settings.

For people that may be at risk, South Australian Police has the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, which provides an avenue to get information about a partner or former partner, to help make decisions about safety and the future of a relationship.

A request for information can be made by either the person who is feeling unsafe in their relationship or a person concerned about the welfare of someone they know.

The scheme is an early intervention and prevention initiative, not an emergency response service – Phone Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance.

Women or children experiencing domestic violence in Port Lincoln and surrounds can access Yarredi Services, an organisation that aims to support and empower clients in these positions. Chief executive officer Mishelle Di Pinto said Yarredi Services provided a 24-hour crisis response for women and children experiencing domestic and or family violence that require emergency assistance.

“Early intervention and prevention strategies can include applying to the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme or reaching out to a service for specialist support to prepare to safely leave a DV situation,” she said.

“In the last week four women have allegedly lost their lives to domestic violence, if you require support or assistance please reach out to your local service.”

Visit yarredi.org.au or phone 8683 0311.

Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation has an office in Port Lincoln and principal legal officer Julie Detchon said the organisation provided legal and non-legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are victim/survivors of family violence and/or sexual assault in South Australia.

“We also assist non-indigenous people who have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in their care,” she said.

“Our service is free and confidential, and is delivered in a culturally safe and trauma informed way.

“We run early intervention and community legal education programs across the region to help people understand more about issues relating to family violence and their options to get help.

She said the next event – and the last one for the year – is a Sista2Sista day on Wednesday, November 29 in Whyalla for First Nations’ women on Eyre Peninsula.

“People can get in contact with us by using the form on our website – fvlsac.org.au – by phone or coming to our office at 89 Liverpool Street, Port Lincoln.”

1800RESPECT is a service that supports everyone impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence, including men. They can provide options to access specialist trauma counselling or other support services for men and boys dealing with violence. To access that service phone 1800 737 732.

In the news: Zonta Club of Fredericksburg marks global campaign with local activities

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Main Street banner, reception to focus on domestic violence prevention efforts

The Zonta Club of Fredericksburg (ZCF) is taking part in 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence — an international campaign that aims to inspire action and end violence against women and girls around the world.

Local activities include a banner over Main Street, a display at the Girl Scout Cabin on the corner of Crockett and Austin streets, a service project to benefit domestic violence victims, and a celebration at The Schatze Haus Resale Boutique — which benefits The Grace Center — on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 3-6 p.m.

The Grace Center of Fredericksburg provides shelter, offers guidance, and schedules free and confidential services to empower those who have been impacted by domestic violence and seek to escape their abuser.

“Zonta envisions a world where no woman lives in fear of violence. Through the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, our members and allies stand together, uniting our voices to advocate for all those who have suffered gender-based violence,” said Zonta International President Ute Scholz. “Zonta is needed now, more than ever, to continue its work to end violence and build a better world for women and girls.”

The 16 Days of Activism campaign began Nov. 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day.

Zonta International encourages its clubs to participate in advocacy efforts that focus on prevention, protection and prosecution.
ZCF activities include:

• A “ZONTA SAYS NO” banner over Main Street at Crockett Street and the Girl Scout Cabin display on the corner of Crockett and Austin streets show off orange (the color for domestic violence awareness) and #16DaysofActivism information.
The corner display also provides QR Codes for more information about the campaign and Zonta efforts.
• A service project to make 50 hygiene bags for The Grace Center. These bags are filled with a variety of basic toiletries to be offered to women entering The Grace Center after fleeing a violent domestic event.
• The Nov. 29 reception at The Schatze Haus Resale Boutique brings attention to its work to support The Grace Center.
“Join us to learn more about domestic violence in our community and how these organizations work together to fight it,” said ZFC president Elizabeth Wunderlich.

“The Grace Center gives hope by offering local domestic violence victims a place to seek shelter from their abuser,” Wunderlich said. “Supporting The Schatze Haus and The Grace Center is in perfect alignment with our Zonta mission and 16 Days of Activism. We encourage the community to join us on Wednesday to learn more about what this amazing organization is doing for our residents affected by violent trauma at the hands of a domestic partner.”

Source: https://www.fredericksburgstandard.com/2023/11/29/zonta-club-marks-global-campaign-local-activities/

Zonta Clubs of Ibadan collaborate in 16 days of activism for the elimination of violence against women 2023

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Members of the clubs in Ibadan invited the press to cover the unveiling of billboards and the beginning of the Zonta Says NO activities in Ibadan city.

The clubs also carried hand held placards while parading in different locations. Members encouraged the reporting of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases which our members in the legal profession will handle pro bono.

Members were delighted that market men and women remembered Zonta campaigns of previous years. We are getting more visible! The message is gaining traction!

In the news: Zonta Club of Lockport Says NO to violence against women

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Zonta Club of Lockport directors Carol Spedding, Brenda Ulrich, Mary Ann Bucolo, Teresa Sipowicz and Tracy Farrell, and club project chair Adrian Rogers.
Source: Union-Sun & Journal

The Zonta Club of Lockport has posted signs that say “Zonta says NO to Violence Against Women” throughout the city of Lockport. This campaign, running through December 10th, tries to bring awareness to the prevalence of violence against women.

Current statistics show one in three women will experience physical/sexual violence in their lifetime, often perpetrated by intimate partners. Some 30% of intimate partner victims report that pornography was involved in some manner. New York state has the fourth highest number of cases (more than 400) reported for human trafficking in the country, following California, Texas and Florida.

Anyone interested in assisting victims of sexual assault who are brought to Lockport Memorial Hospital can donate a sweat suit to the Zonta Club by dropping it off at one of these collection sites: Lockport Family YMCA, 5833 Snyder Drive; or Immaculata Home, 31 Lewis St., any time between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sweat suits are given to victims of sexual assault whose clothing is collected at the hospital for forensic purposes. All sizes are accepted.

Take note of this local resource: The YWCA of the Niagara Frontier’s 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline provides phone counseling, support and referrals for emergency shelter or housing. The domestic violence and sexual assault hotline number is 716-433-6716.

Zonta International is a service organization of more than 28,000 executive women committed to empowering women through service and advocacy. The Lockport chapter provides scholarship funds for women and girls and often donates to Lockport-based women’s shelters such as the YWCA shelter, Madonna House and Immaculata Home.

Women interested in joining the Zonta Club of Lockport can reach out to membership chairwoman Brenda Ulrich at 716-628-0629 or visit www.zontacluboflockport.com.

Source: https://www.lockportjournal.com/community/zonta-club-says-no-to-violence-against-women/article_c35237b8-8d4a-11ee-99f5-abeac59de8ba.html

In the news: Zonta Clubs of Bangladesh observe International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

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Photo Source: Adnan Adid/UNB

Observing the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the globally recognized service organization Zonta International began its annual “16 Days of Activism” campaign against gender-based violence on Saturday. All six Zonta Clubs in Bangladesh observed the day.

The campaign will include a number of events and activities aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls in society and advancing women’s rights – beginning on November 25 and running through December 10, International Human Rights Day.
Read: Zonta Clubs of Bangladesh commemorate UN day

Members of all Zonta clubs in Dhaka gathered and held a rally on Saturday at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in Gulshan to advocate for women’s rights, eliminating child marriage, and raising awareness for gender-equal climate action.

Wearing the thematic orange t-shirts with the Zonta logo and carrying banners and placards in English and Bangla, Zonta Club members held a procession in the park and shared their viewpoints and agenda.

It was followed by a discussion programme held at the Gulshan Ladies Community Club which was addressed by Nilufer Zafarullah, Chair of the Zonta District 25 Area 2 Advocacy Committee; Dr Zareen Delawar Hussain, District 25 Governor-Elect; Farahnaz Qaiyum, Area Director of D-25, Area-2; Zaheda Samdani, Vice Area Director of D-25, Area-2; and Dilruba Ahmed, District 25 Rules and Resolutions Committee Chair.

Talking about the initiatives, Nilufer Zafarullah said, “Zonta District 25 is made up of four neighboring countries: Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Area 2 of this unit is made up of Bangladesh and Nepal, and the same activities are being held in Nepal.”
Describing the mission, vision and activities of the club, District 25 Governor-Elect Dr Zareen Delawar Hussain said, “As of now, Zonta International is globally operating with more than one thousand club units which build a supportive community of more than 0.2 million like-minded professional women around the world. In Bangladesh, we have five clubs in Dhaka and one in Chattogram.”

“Two months ago, we observed the 104th founding anniversary of the Zonta International. Our goal is to raise our united voices to prevent violence against women in our society, to eradicate child marriage and the dowry system, and to empower our children and women with education,” she added.

“In this journey of togetherness, we also want our boys and men to join us and raise a unified voice towards violence against women. We need to establish a society where our girls and women can feel safe which is required for their progress; and we will run our advocacy and awareness programmes in these 16 days including media interviews, campaigns and visits to different educational institutions and more,” Dr Zareen Delawar Hussain told UNB.

Read more: 16-days of activism: Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka conducts tree plantation, rickshaw rally in the city
Organised by the District 25 Advocacy Committee Chair, the event featured inspiring remarks from the speakers and covered many important aspects, setting the tone for Zonta’s 16 Days of Activism in the coming days.

The discussion was also accompanied by a candle-lighting ceremony with all the dignitaries as symbolic of the hope and determination of Zonta Club members in their mission.

Source: https://unb.com.bd/category/Entertainment/zonta-clubs-of-bangladesh-observe-international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women/126440

In the news: Zonta Club of Kaua‘i celebrates ‘16 Days of Activism’

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Dennis Fujimoto/The Garden Island Zonta Club of Kaua‘i President Edie Ignacio Neumiller waits for the Kaua‘i Society of Artists gallery to open on Saturday, the first day of 16 Days of Activism at the visual window display at the KSA gallery at Kukui Grove.
Source: The Garden Island

LIHU‘E — The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i joined other Zonta Clubs around the world in celebrating the start of “16 Days of Activism” on Nov. 25.

At the local level, Zonta clubs across the world have organized activities and events as part of the 2023 Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women campaign that focuses on the service and advocacy actions of Zonta clubs and districts to prevent violence against women and girls.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i brings awareness to the community.
The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i installed a visual window display with Kaua‘i Society of Artists (KSA) at Kukui Grove Center. The window display will run all 16 days of the campaign, through Dec. 10, and is available for the public to view from noon to 6 p.m., daily at KSA gallery.

“We are excitied to partner with the Kaua‘i Society of Artist, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and the YWCA of Kaua‘i whose missions are aligned with the Zonta International global organization,” said Zonta Club of Kaua‘i President Edie Ignacio Neumiller.

Neumiller extended a public invitation for a single-day event that will take place on Nov. 29 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at KSA gallery where resources from the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i, AAUW and YWCA of Kaua‘i will have resources available and guest speakers.

The Red Dress Project was started by Jaime Black with a public art installation that was created in response to the missing and murdered Indigenous women (known as MMIW) epidemic in Canada and the United States.

This ongoing project that was started in 2010 — there is an MMIW mural by the Mo‘olelo Murals artists on Kress Street in downtown Lihu‘e —commemorates missing and murdered Indigenous women from the First Nations, Inuit, lMetis and Native American communities, including Native Hawaiian women and girls by hanging empty red dresses in a range of environments.

The project has also inspired other artists to use red to draw attention to the issue of MMIW, and prompted the creation of Red Dress Day with red representing the blood of the missing women.

For more information, visit http://www.zonta-kauai.org, or http://www.zontasaysno.com.

Source: https://www.thegardenisland.com/2023/11/26/hawaii-news/zonta-club-of-kauai-celebrates-16-days-of-activisim/