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/

In the news: Zonta Club of Noosa says NO to violence

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Noosa says no to domestic and family violence was a message sent by the Zonta Club of Noosa.

“Violence against women is not inevitable, it is preventable,“ Zonta Club of Noosa president Robyn O’Neill told a group of supporters who marched along Gympie Terrace last Sunday to say no to violence against women and girls.

“To end violence against women we need to challenge attitudes that perpetuate, rationalise and normalise that violence and deny women’s rights to safety,“ Robyn said.

“Violence is the language of the inarticulate. It’s so true. We’ve seen it in our own lives when people get so angry they can’t speak – that’s when they resort to physical violence. Too many people don’t understand how to express themselves without dominance, power and control.

“Respect starts with a conversation, so let’s start talking. We need to start real conversations about why ordinary people commit horrific acts of violence against the people closest to them.“

The club’s annual walk is part of Zonta International’s 16 Days of Activism campaign (from 25 November to World Human Rights Day on 10 December) against gender-based violence, aimed at raising awareness of the risks, impact and dangers of gender-based violence.

So far this year, 58 women in Australia have been killed in domestic and family violence situations.

Robyn described the campaign as a call for action, a critical part in a global movement “against one of world’s most persistent violations against human rights and that is violence against women“.

“Calls for action are crucial. They shine a spotlight on the issue of violence against women,“ she said.

“They are a moment to create public awareness of what needs to change to prevent it from happening in the first place at all at local, national and international level. Because as we know violence against women and girls is something that effects every country in world.

“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,“ Sandy said.

“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 follow Zonta on Facebook.“

Source: https://noosatoday.com.au/news/29-11-2023/noosa-says-no-to-violence-2/

In the news: Zonta Club Metro Iloilo joins End-VAWC campaignIn the news:

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The members of Zonta Club Metro Iloilo headed by its president, Mrs. Grace Blair.
The members of Zonta Club Metro Iloilo headed by its president, Mrs. Grace Blair.

TO kick off the “16 Days of Activism” campaign against violence against women and children (VAWC), the Zonta Club Metro Iloilo held a motorcade around Iloilo City on Nov. 25, in sync with the observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until Dec. 10, which is Human Rights Day.
Zonta Club Metro Iloilo kicks off the “16 Days of Activism” campaign with a motorcade on the main thoroughfares of Iloilo City on Nov. 25.

Being a group of empowered women in Iloilo empowering fellow women, Zonta Club Metro Iloilo, a member of Zonta International, has carried out programs and projects to help the sector.

The group holds symposiums on teenage pregnancy and online sexual violence in various schools in the city and province of Iloilo, as well as self-defense crash courses at selected high schools.


“One of Zonta’s advocacies, as well as that of pediatricians in Western Visayas, is to stop child abuse. And one form of child abuse we are currently focusing on, which is rampant, is the online sexual exploitation of children,” said Dr. Ma. Theresa M. Hallegado, Pediatrician and Committee Head on Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children.

Hallegado recognized the importance of the internet in education and keeping connections, but she emphasized that it is also a venue for people with ill intentions.

“The primary reminder we give children is to be SMART: Stay safe while browsing the internet; do not meet up with people you do not know; avoid accepting suspicious files you receive; is your source reliable?; and tell somebody if someone on the internet is acting suspicious,” she added.

Source: https://www.panaynews.net/zonta-club-metro-iloilo-joins-end-vawc-campaign/

In the news: Zonta effort to end violence against women on displayIn the news:

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Those in the area may begin to see colorful yard signs displayed throughout the community to raise awareness for one of Zonta’s primary causes, ending violence against women.

The local Porterville Zonta club is participating in the Zonta International 16 Days of Activism. During the 16 Days of Activism, all Zonta Clubs are encouraged to take part in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and to bring local awareness to the issue. Club member are asked to display yard signs through the community to bring awareness to the campaign.

The campaign began on November 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends on December 10, International Human Rights Day.

Launched in 2012, the 16 Days of Activism has raised awareness across the globe of women’s rights violations and has united Zonta clubs worldwide in conducting advocacy actions to fight violence against women.

The Zonta Club of Porterville has partnered with the Porterville College Library and the Central California Family Crisis Center to create a memorable display that’s both informative and impactful. Community members are encouraged to visit the display. The library is open form 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 7 a.m. to on on Fridays until December 8 when the library will close for the holidays. Parking is free.

Porterville Zonta Club will also participate in the Porterville Children’s Christmas Parade to be held on Thursday, November 30 on Main Street at 7 p.m.. Club members and local Z Club students will participate on the club’s decorated float and will help spread the word violence against women has no place in the community.

In addition on Saturday, December 2 the club will hosting its 28th Annual Christmas Home Tour. Tickets are $35 and available from club members and at the following locations: Harris Home Furnishings, Horowitz Jewelers, OACYS Technology, Stafford’s Chocolates, The Flower Mill and Java Express in Springville.

While the event isn’t considered an official part of the club’s advocacy for the 16 Days, guests will help support the efforts to end violence against women. Six homes to and an Artisan Boutique to do some Christmas shopping at the Myers Funeral Service and Crematory Reception Center, formally the Porterville Women’s Club, will be featured in the tour.

For more than 75 years, the Zonta Club of Porterville along with Zonta International have envisioned a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. Those who are interested in joining while working to help support women locally and worldwide can visit www.zontaclubofporterville.org to fill out an application. The club can also be followed on Facebook and Instagram for club events and updates.

Source: https://www.recorderonline.com/gallery/zonta-effort-to-end-violence-against-women-on-display/article_d13c9174-8e18-11ee-aaba-6777de07e5a2.html

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!

Zonta Club of Sofia begins the 16 Days of Activism Campaign with a procession

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Each year Zonta & UN mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign on 25 November. All Zonta Clubs within Area 05, District 30 also begin the campaign by organizing different campaigns in their cities.

On 24 November, 2023 Zonta Club of Sofia organized a procession in the center of Sofia – Bulgaria’s capital under the motto “NO to violence”.

Instead of illuminating buildings in orange, the club opened a Zonta Says NO alley with trees wrapped in orange. The trees also have plates containing a QR code leading to a webpage with more information about the campaign and useful contacts.

Zonta Says NO Information flyers and orange flags were also distributed during the procession. Talented cheerleaders from Sofia’s First English Language School took part in the march with a performance. The procession was also part of Area 05, District 30’s Campaign “I want to meet the sun, too!”, launched back in 2020.

The campaign’s goal is to work with crisis centers accommodating women and children victims of domestic violence as well as to support the opening of new ones that are highly needed in Bulgaria. The event was attended by citizens, Zonta members and friends and received coverage in the national television.

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 Club of Corry observes 16 Days of Activism

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Now that the political signs have come down, you may notice a different type of yard sign in about 15 places throughout the Corry area. 

Those signs say, “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women.” They are being displayed by members of the Zonta Club of the Corry Area from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10. During this time, known as 16 Days of Activism, Zonta clubs worldwide focus on ending gender-based violence in all its forms.

As members of Zonta International, the Zonta Club of the Corry Area works year-round to support Zonta’s mission of “empowering women through service and advocacy.” Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals building a better world for women and girls.

The main goal of Zonta International’s advocacy is eliminating gender-based violence against women. That advocacy includes observing 16 Days of Activism, which focuses on “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women, Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy.” 

The campaign seeks to get more people to speak up and act. Through a multitude of events, projects and advocacy efforts, Zonta clubs and members around the world are dedicated to ending gender-based violence.

Connie Cooper is the president of the Zonta Club of the Corry Area. She said the club has set a goal to raise awareness of and take action to prevent gender-based violence during 16 Days of Activism.

“Follow our Facebook page for daily messages highlighting the issues surrounding and actions you can take toward ending violence against women and girls. Please ‘like’ and ‘share’ every day to spread the message.”

Anyone can view the page, join the campaign to end violence against women and share the messages by going to Facebook.com/Zonta Club of Corry.

On Nov. 8, Zonta International celebrated its 104th anniversary. For Zonta’s 100th anniversary in 2019, the Corry Zonta club purchased a yellow banner with the theme “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women” in black letters. The banner also shows the symbol of Zonta. For a few weeks each summer, the banner is displayed across North Center Street to spread the word to the Corry community about Zonta’s mission.

But the Corry Zonta club does so much more. Zonta International’s ongoing service efforts are demonstrated through numerous local projects, programs and partnerships with the United Nations and its agencies.

Zonta International President Ute Scholz said Zonta envisions a world where no woman must live 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,” Scholz said. “Zonta is needed now, more than ever, to continue its work to end violence and build a better world for women and girls.”

Cooper said locally, the Zonta Club of Corry supports the efforts of Safe Journey – a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse, and its affiliate, Purple One – both financially and with service projects.


“Specifically, during 16 Days of Activism, the members of the Zonta Club of Corry donate Christmas gift bags filled with essential items to be given to women and children in shelters who are fleeing domestic violence with the hope of bringing a little joy to their world during the holidays,” Cooper said.

During the club’s Nov. 16 meeting, guest speakers were Erie County Assistant District Attorney Rob Ferguson, who heads up the county Domestic Violence unit, and Erie County Public Defender Nicole Sloane Kondrlik. They spoke about the domestic violence program, including what police officers do when they respond to a domestic call and the services available to victims and offenders. Ferguson said though domestic abuse cases are down overall in Erie County compared to previous years, there are still repeat offenders and repeat victims.

In the past, the Corry Zonta club had a program specialist at Safe Journey speak about PurpleOne, a bystander intervention program where victims can seek help from trained individuals. 
11-25 zonta2.jpg
Zonta members Christine Cobb, left, and Bev Burton show some of the many Christmas gifts the Zonta Club of Corry is donating to Safe Journey for victims of domestic violence.Maryann Mook/The Corry Journal

Also, Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz has spoken about the widespread challenges facing women and girls in Erie County and practices put into place to help them. 

The Corry Zonta club also volunteers for Shower the Shelter, when members ask the community to donate essential items to Safe Journey for victims of domestic abuse.

The Corry club is a member of District 4, Area 5. District 4 includes 31 clubs with about 620 members from eastern Ontario, Canada, to western New York and Pennsylvania states. District 4 was home to the first Zonta club, established in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1919.

Sheena Poole, of Ontario, is the District 4 governor. She said the international Zonta Says No campaign brings 62 countries, 1,103 clubs and 26,790 members together to say no to violence against women. 

Violence against women and girls threatens countries, inhibits economic progress and prevents women from contributing to their community and creating better lives for themselves and their families, according to Zonta International.

Cooper said the Zonta Club of Corry is more than willing to join in the effort to halt violence against women and girls. 
“I am proud of the women in our local club who selflessly give and advocate so others can have a better life,” Cooper said. “The need is great in our local community, and we are here to help in any way we can.”

In addition to Cooper, officers of the Corry club are Marie Zamiska, second vice president; Reva Lowry, treasurer; Maryann Mook, secretary; and board members Barb Diehl and Donna VanTassel. The office of first vice president is vacant.

Source: https://www.thecorryjournal.com/news/article_ae4fb3f4-8ae8-11ee-8642-2bac703ed4e1.html

In the news: Landmarks light up to back call to end gender-based violenceIn the news:

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Cunard Building lit orange

Buildings and landmarks in Liverpool will be illuminated bright orange on Saturday 25th November, as part of an international campaign aimed at ending gender-based violence.

The colour orange, used in the global “Orange the World” campaign, is intended to be a symbol of hope for a brighter future, free of violence or abuse, a message supported by Savera UK’s “No Excuse for Abuse” campaign.

City landmarks that will illuminate orange include St John’s Beacon, Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall, World Museum Liverpool and Merseyside Police Headquarters.

The illumination will take place on the same day that charities Savera UK and Zonta UK will march through Liverpool city centre from Williamson Square to call for an end to ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA), harmful practices and all forms of gender-based abuse, after Savera UK has seen an increase of almost 6% in new referrals into its service and a continuing growth in demand.

The event will start at 1:45pm with a drumming performance from Katumba and some short speeches before the march will begin, heading through town with Movema’s Sankofa and Liver Birds performing to celebrate the beauty of culture.
There will be a further stop along the route when Savera UK survivor ambassador, Khatra Paterson, will share her story, and readings from Savera UK’s own clients will also be shared.

​​Savera UK is a leading national organisation that helps survivors and those at risk of HBA and harmful practices, which include forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and conversion therapy. Zonta UK is part of Zonta International, a global organisation that stands for women’s rights and advocates for equality, education and an end to child marriage and gender-based violence.

Each year, the 25th of November marks the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the United Nation’s “Orange the World” campaign and annual 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign.
The #16Days campaign ends on Sunday 10th December, Human Rights Day, when a number of the participating landmarks are expected to light up orange once again in a show of solidarity and support.

Source: https://liverpoolexpress.co.uk/landmarks-light-up-to-back-call-to-end-gender-based-violence/

In the news: Council supports 16 days of activismIn the news:

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(L-R) Sandra Tuddenham, Faye Juetz, Hobsons Bay mayor Matt Tyler, Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, Jenny Moynahan from Zonta. (Julia Forte)

Hobsons Bay council is supporting 16 Days of Activism, the global campaign against gender-based violence.

The campaign runs from International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Saturday, November 25, to International Human Rights Day on December 10.

It aims to raise awareness about violence against women and its impact on a woman’s physical, psychological and social wellbeing, and economic security.

It also encourages everyone to work together to prevent violence against women.

The council is partnering with several community groups and organisations to help raise awareness of the campaign, including Zonta Club of the west, Latitude: Directions for Young People, Outlets Co-operative Neighbourhood House and Laverton Community Integrated Services.

The council said throughout the 16 days, the front of Altona Theatre will be lit in orange and an awareness campaign will be visible around Hobsons Bay highlighting community organisations taking a stand against gender-based violence and providing information on support services for survivors.

Hobsons Bay mayor Matt Tyler said this is a national emergency that warrants greater attention.

“In 2023, Australia is on track to surpass the annual average of one woman per week being killed by a man she knows,” he said.
“This campaign is about raising awareness of this devastating issue in our society and working towards a solution. Every one of us has a role to play in preventing violence against women– not just through the 16 Days of Activism, but every day.

“I’ll be joining Respect Victoria’s Walk Against Family Violence on Thursday, November 24 and I’d encourage folks across our community to join us.

“I’m pleased council is working with some fantastic community organisations that are doing great work that contributes towards preventing violence.”

Source: https://maribyrnonghobsonsbay.starweekly.com.au/news/council-supports-16-days-of-activism/