SHERIDAN — Over the weekend, the Zonta Club of Wyoming Bighorns put the finishing touches on a new soft interview room at the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office.
The room was a collaboration between the club and the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, while Texas based nonprofit Project Beloved provided the paint, furniture artwork and decor. On Dec. 10, the club members painted the room and completed the installation of the furniture, blankets, decor and photographic artwork.
The process of interviewing victims and perpetrators of domestic violence or sex crimes can be difficult to navigate, Sheriff Levi Dominguez previously told The Sheridan Press, and it’s important to ensure the victim feels comfortable and safe speaking about their experience.
While Sheridan Police Department has a soft interview room, the sheriff’s office did not.
Soft interview rooms are private rooms where detectives can speak to victims in a more comfortable environment than a standard, sterile interrogation room, and soft interview rooms often trade cold metal tables, blank walls and uncomfortable chairs for couches, paintings and toys for minor victims.
“Evidence based practices call for a trauma-informed approach to reports of rape and sexual assault and a soft interview room is considered an integral component of (trauma informed care),” the Project Beloved website said. “Creating a space that is comfortable rather than stark allows the participant to feel physically and emotionally safe and can have a significant impact on the interview process.”
Project Beloved “strives to educate, advocate and collaborate to change the conversation about sexual assault and empower survivors to find their voices,” according to the organization’s website. Zonta Club member Cassie Sundberg said the SCSO soft interview room is Project Beloved’s 82nd room in the country and second in Wyoming.
The Zonta Club of Wyoming Bighorns became an official chartered club of Zonta District 12 and Zonta International Oct. 15. The group meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month. The Zonta Club is dedicated to advocating “for equality, education and an end to child marriage and gender-based violence,” according to its website.
In addition to setting up the soft interview room, the Zonta Club of Wyoming Big Horns recently partnered with Project Beloved to prepare bags of clothes, toiletries and other amenities — known as “Beloved Bundles” — to be distributed to victims of sexual assault after forensic examinations are performed.
Zonta Club of Kankakee marches to say NO and more
The Zonta Club of Kankakee, USA, and family members walked in the Kankakee lighted parade, where hundreds of people lined the streets.
The club had a banner supporting the 16 Days of Activism, signs on their car with orange lights and everyone wearing orange scarves. They also handed candy out to the kids lining the streets and buttons.
The club was announced over the loudspeaker, talking about their mission locally and internationally and how these 16 days were important to end violence against women worldwide.
The club also collected gift cards this year at their Christmas gathering for a local domestic violence shelter and sexual assault center. These gift cards were for gas, groceries, clothes and any other needs the shelter and center needed. They collected hundreds of dollars in gift cards and cash to help them.
Zonta Club of Pori I says NO to violence with a short film
On Girls’ Day, the Zonta Club of Pori, Finland, premiered its short film Viimeinen potku, which means Last Kick in English. The script was written by Teatteri (Theater) Ulpu’s Maiju Junko and Oskari Huhtanen.
Oskari Huhtanen said, “They didn’t want to belittle, but they didn’t want to gloat over the topic either. They wanted to make a serious and real-life short film.”
The film was produced by Glad Media/Anu Glad, who also directed it. Oskari Huhtanen was responsible for directing the actors. Ronja Virtanen plays the main role, and there are also about 20 children and young people from Ulpu’s hobbyist groups. The film is shown in schools in the neighboring towns of Pori and Ulvila.
The name of the film has multiple meanings. It can mean the end of life or the end of bullying. The situation of violence among children and young people has worsened. The club thought about what could be done for the cause and how to spread the word as efficiently as possible. This is how the idea of an anti-violence film was born, aimed at young people and their parents, and the core idea is that it would act as a conversation starter in schools and at home.
Zonta Club of Basel says NO to psychological violence
The Zonta Club of Basel, Switzerland, took part in numerous activities during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
from 25 November to 10 December.
As the main focus this year in Switzerland is psychological violence, also called mental abuse, the club wanted to make invisible violence visible!
More than 40% of women in Europe are affected by experiences of psychological violence. 20% of women have experienced stalking at least once in their life. Patriarchal structures, the devaluation of women and unequal power relations constitute the breeding ground for this violence. These social relations also lead to the trivialization of gender-based violence.
The club raised awareness of the issue by creating cartoons representing ten typical situations of mental abuse, such as generating feelings of guilt, stalking, humiliation, financial pressure, belittling and more, which are often subtle and invisible from the outside.
These cartoons are exhibited in several public spaces at various locations in Basel, such as the University hospital, University library, open neighborhood meeting points, high schools, restaurants, shops and more, where women (and men) from any age and any social or cultural background could watch at their own pace, without being observed.
“These cartoons are a wonderful way to catch people’s attention and make them think of this type of domestic violence,” said a host.
The exhibition was opened on 25 November by the head of violence protection and victim support, Sonia Roest Vontobel, and the government councilor of the Canton of Basel City, Stefanie Eymann.
Stefanie highlighted the role of every party, from local associations to competent authorities, on this major issue.
“Psychological violence happens very often within one’s own four walls. Therefore, projects have been started to increase the sensitization of people and to provide tools and proposals for support and help,” said Stefanie.
To make the impact of this campaign more visible, media and social media coverage were very supportive, and the club promoted the campaign through local TV, radio, and the press. Information and addresses are also provided where women and girls can turn if necessary.
With this, Vice Club President Christina Rheinhardt and the club encourage people to think of their behavior and promote non-violent behavior.
Finally, every year, the club continued the Orange the World campaign by lighting orange buildings in the city center, which ties in with one of the most significant annual advocacy campaigns, Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women.
Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao finishes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a bang!
Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, finishes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a bang!
For each of the 16 days, the club held at least one activity.
Day 1
Activity 1: Envisioning video.
Activity 2: Zonta Eco Angels Tree Planting Project at the Zonta Forest and Garden.
Activity 3: Simultaneous changing of Facebook Frame and cover photos.
Day 2
Activity 4: Alay-Agay 3.0 Indigenous Peoples Empowerment Program
Day 3
Activity 5: Zonta Information Caravan on Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response
Activity 6: Healthcare Information and Management Services Road Show
Activity 7: Tarpaulin display
Day 4
Activity 8: GWAPA 2.0
Activity 9: Cagayan State University – Carig Campus, GAD Seminar for 1200 Students
Day 5
Activity 10: We Remember Film Viewing held at multiple locations
Activity 11: General Membership Meeting
Day 6
Activity 13: Pinning of Orange Ribbon at Cagayan State University-Andrews Campus In partnership with Golden Z Club of Cagayan State University-College of Business, Entrepreneurship and Accountancy
Activity 14: Pinning of Orange Ribbon at Cagayan National High School In partnership with Z Club of Cagayan National High School – Senior High
Day 7
Activity 15: ZCCT x Padday na Yena Cooperative Seminar with CDA
Activity 16: ZCCT honored with Plaque of Recognition at LCAT-VAWC Functionality Awards
Activity 17: All About Eve
Day 8
Activity 18: Bike Against Violence
Day 9
Activity 19: Memory Wall
Activity 20: 2-Day skills training for candle-making
Day 10
Activity 21: Kapihan para sa Kababaihan (Coffee Meet for Women)
Day 11
Activity 22: Men Against VAWC video
Day 12
Activity 23: Slogan and Poster Making
Activity 24: Student Signature Campaign
Day 13
Activity 25: Call to Action, Open Letter to Media
Activity 26: Lecture Safe Spaces And and Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act in partnership with the Golden Z Club of Cagayan State University – College of Engineering and Architecture.
Day 14
Activity 27: Leaders Speak video
Day 15
Activity 28: Day of Service at the Haven for Women and Girls
Day 16
Activity 29: Unveiling of Arts Against Violence
Activity 30: Awarding ceremony for the Search for Most VAW Responsive Barangay of Tuguegarao City
Zonta Club of Hong Kong says NO with CEASE Crisis Centre
The Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, concluded its #16Days of Activism with a legal talk for the female victims and survivor-mentors under the Victim for Victim (V4V ) project in collaboration with the CEASE Crisis Centre.
Zontians Sharon and Karen discussed important topics such as divorce proceedings, child custody and alimony distribution. The participating women victims found the talk highly informative and gained valuable insights. Before the event, the club established connections with the participants and volunteers, which meant great to them as they felt the club’s genuine care and support.
The CEASE Crisis Centre plays a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence and those individuals/families facing domestic violence or in crisis who require support, regardless of age, gender, and race, by offering 24-hour hotline services and intervention assistance.
The CEASE Crisis Centre 24-hour Hotline is (852) 18281.
Zonta Club of Prowers County’s 16 daily events for 16 Days of Activism
The Zonta Club of Prowers County, USA, completes 16 daily activities supporting the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism campaigns. In addition to attending the proclamation signing at the Prowers County Commissioners’ Meeting, members performed daily activities from 25 November through 10 December, such as:
- Hanging a banner at the train depot.
- Decorating a storefront window.
- Setting orange pinwheels at the County Courthouse and County Annex.
- Placing silhouettes at entrances to the library, community building and courthouse.
- Installing orange ribbons around downtown light posts.
- Participating in the Red Sand Project to spread the message across town locations, including Lamar Community College.
Several events were open to the public, including the In Her Shoes Event and Discussion and a showing of Knots: A Forced Marriage Story at the Cultural Events Center. Additionally, the club donated funds and gifts to the Domestic Safety Resource Center at a potluck instead of a dinner out.
The final weekend concluded with a “Take Back the Night” walk downtown and a photo op at the train depot, signaling the last day. A request was made for the club to present its award-winning advocacy program at the District 12 Area 4 meeting in Cañon City in April 2024.
Zonta Club of Denver says NO with The Blue Bench
This year, the Zonta Club of Denver, USA, and The Blue Bench (TBB) organization met at the TownHall Collaborative Brewing Company to promote the Zonta Says NO campaign. The Collaborative is one of many breweries in the Denver area that has received SafeBars training through TBB.
TBB works to end sexual assault through prevention and cure, and their SafeBars Project provides training to staff in establishments that serve liquor so that they can recognize and respond to sexual harassment and potential assault incidents. The club has provided funding for several years to continue this important training effort.
The club also had a proclamation entitled, “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women and Girls,” read and adopted at the Denver City Council meeting to support the Zonta Says NO campaign. District 4’s City Councilwoman read the proclamation, and several club members attended to receive it after the meeting.
Zonta Club Kathmandu conducts Zonta Says NO awareness program for students
The Zonta Club Kathmandu, Nepal, organized an awareness program in association with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Nepal Police, and Ncell as part of its 16 Days Activism on Gender-Based Violence program on 10 December 10 at St. Mary’s High School, Lalitpur. The chief guest of the event was AIG Kiran Bajracharya.
The event saw the participation of around 800 students from Sanskrit Madhyamik Bidhyalaya, Bhanu Madhyamik Bidhyalaya, Nepal Adarsha Madhyamik Bidhyalaya, Himalaya Madhyamik Bidhyalaya, St. Mary’s High School and Mary Ward School. The club provided a skit that raised the different issues faced by women. Inspector Shanta Lama from the CIB Nepal Police shared information about law and crime, while Yashmine Bhattarai from Ncell shared information on cybersecurity.
Zonta Club of Pokhara says NO with multiple actions
The Zonta Club of Pokhara, Nepal, passionately orchestrated impactful events as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which is dedicated to ending gender-based violence.
The campaign started with a compelling digital video display on the first day, 15 November, at Mulmi Enterprises, Pokhara. The club showcased engaging visuals and powerful messages on large LED screens, captivating the community’s attention. The display served as a striking introduction, raising awareness about the urgent need to unite against gender-based violence.
Following the digital display, on 4 December, the club held its “Ride to Rise- Let’s Ride for a Cause” scooter rally covering a dynamic 5-kilometer route through the heart of Pokhara. The chief general secretary of Gandaki Pradesh, Lakshmi Kumari Basnet, graced the event along with many passionate activists and members. Eager participants, especially active youths, joined the cause and pledged to unite, invest and prevent violence against women and girls. The rally symbolized unity and highlighted the importance of actively participating in the journey towards a safer, violence-free world.
Diversifying the approach, the club conducted cybercrime awareness advocacy on four campuses. The club addressed the growing concern of cyber-related violence through interactive sessions, informative presentations and engaging discussions. Empowering students with knowledge and strategies to combat cybercrime was a pivotal aspect of this initiative.
The club’s 16 Days of Activism campaign events successfully blended digital outreach, community engagement, and educational advocacy. The club remains dedicated to fostering positive change in the community and advocating for a future free from violence.
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