In the news: Zonta Club of Mitchell gearing up to ‘yarn bomb’ the region as part of its activism efforts against family violence

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Trees in Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford and Seymour are set to be ‘yarn bombed’ in orange blankets by the Zonta Club of Mitchell as part of activities for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. ​
Source: The North Central Review

The Zonta Club of Mitchell is gearing up to ‘yarn bomb’ the region as part of its activism efforts against family violence.
Trees in Wallan, Broadford, Kilmore and Seymour will be wrapped in orange woollen blankets as a symbol of Zonta’s support for victims of gender-based and family violence.

Zonta members, their friends and community members have been knitting up an orange storm in preparation for the yarn bomb, each making woollen squares in their own time before stitching them together at meetings.

The yarn bomb is one of the many activities taking place throughout the region as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which calls to eliminate violence against women and girls.

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

Zonta Club of Mitchell president Robin Audehm said the Zonta network would wrap trees in each town on November 24 and 25, in line with the commencement of the campaign.

“The wool will represent a warm and supportive environment for people who have been victims of family violence,” she said.
“It raises awareness that family violence is all around us and people who are facing family violence [can access] support within the community in a number of different places.”

Zonta supports victims of family violence throughout the year with small service projects, including the distribution of ‘dignity bags’, which are filled with toiletries to give to those who left their residence quickly in search of refuge from violence.

The club will also host its Art Show and Craft Market at Broadford Gavan Hall on December 2 and 3 to fundraise for future projects.
The exhibit ‘Walk in My Shoes’ will feature once again at this year’s show and in libraries, sharing stories of women who have survived family violence.

Ms Audehm assured that Zonta had received permits for the Yarn Bomb activity and the material would not harm the trees.
The woollen blankets will be taken down at the end of the 16 Days campaign to be recycled on either December 11 or 12.

The trees set to be blanketed in orange include one at the median strip near Wilson Partners in Wallan; outside Kilmore library; at Goulburn Park in Seymour; at the pedestrian crossing on High Street in Broadford; and potentially near the historical society in Broadford. The Seymour yarn bomb will form part of Mitchell Shire Council’s annual Step Towards Change Walk on November 29.

Source: https://ncreview.com.au/2023/11/21/mitchells-trees-to-be-yarn-bombed/

Zonta Club of Waimakariri Says NO to Violence Against Women

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The Zonta Club of Waimakariri, New Zealand, collaborated with the South Island White Ribbon Riders and their local council to bring awareness to the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign in their local town of Rangiora. They painted doors with the message, “Stop Abuse Behind Closed Doors.”

The visual message was impactful and powerful, bringing many lunchtime visitors to the site to discuss the campaign and its prevalence.

In the news: Zonta Club of Kyneton raises awareness of gender-based violence

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Source: Midland Express

Did you know the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence originated from a petition circulated during the 1991 United Nations World Conference on Human Rights? This petition called on the conference committee to address women’s human rights and recognise gender-based violence as a human rights issue. 

Three decades on, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a widely recognised global campaign that encourages action to prevent and end violence against women and girls. 

The 16 Days of Activism begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and ends on International Human Rights Day (December 10). The dates for the campaign were chosen to link violence against women and human rights. 

During this time, organisations and individuals from around the world raise awareness that women’s rights are human rights, and that violence against women is a fundamental violation of those human rights. 

This year, the Zonta Club of Kyneton continues working with several other community organisations, through Macedon Ranges, to raise awareness of gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and encourage community-based support for those living with violence. 

During the 16 Days campaign, the club has static displays at the Kyneton Community Window (Mollison Street) and Macedon Ranges Libraries. The Kyneton Town Hall will be illuminated orange each night for 16 Days (the colour for 16 Days). 

The club will join others in the shire for the MRSC Walk Against Family Violence at 11am on Thursday November 30 in Woodend. 
Community members are invited to join Zonta at a special pop-up event to close the campaign at the Social Foundry Café in Kyneton on December 9 at 10am. Go along and learn more about Zonta and 16 days of Days of Activism against Gender- Based Violence, while sharing a cuppa and cake with the passionate club members. 

If you would like to know more about the Zonta Club of Kyneton and the service and advocacy work it does locally for women and girls, contact the club via secretary@zontakyneton.org.au or through its socials.

Source: https://midlandexpress.com.au/community/2023/11/21/16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence/

Zontians in South Korea march to say NO to Violence Against Women

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On 5 and 12 November, Zonta clubs across South Korea gathered in three major cities and marched for the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign. The event, held in the relatively cold weather of November, was led by District 32’s Governor Unna Hur in Seoul, Lieutenant Governor Hyo-Sook Na in Daejeon and Area 3 Director Kyung-Hee Kim in Yeosu. 65 Zontians marched through central locations, distributing pamphlets and picking up waste.

This event, which was reported through SNS and media channels, has brought about an impact that increased public awareness of Zonta.

The district believes the campaign is an opportunity for all participants to carry out Zonta’s mission of eliminating gender-based violence, building a better world for women and girls, and confirming their Zontian pride. The district has adopted the campaign as a regular event to be performed every November.

In the news: Zonta Club of Grand Island says NO to violence against women

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Zonta Club of Grand Island President Ricki Harper, left, with club Vice President Heidi Travagline, pose near a banner proclaiming “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women.” Zonta members decorated the Town Commons with orange ribbons; the color orange is used to represent a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls.
Source: Niagara Frontier Publications

On Monday, Nov. 13, members of the Zonta Club of Grand Island once again decorated the Town Commons with orange ribbons; the color orange is used to represent a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls.
At Monday’s Town Board meeting, a proclamation will be issued on behalf of Zonta’s “16 Days of Activism.”
Also, the “Zonta Says No” banner will be displayed on the Grand Island Welcome sign on the Town Commons.

History
The “16 Days of Activism” runs from Nov. 25 through Dec. 10. In 2008, The United Nations designated Nov. 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.
On Dec. 10, 1948, the UN General Assembly created a groundbreaking global pledge, “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” It enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, color, religion, gender, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

‘Zonta Says No’ to Violence
Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive human rights violations and a global threat, according to Zonta International. It knows no national or cultural barriers; it takes place at home, in the workplace and in open spaces; it affects millions of women and girls in peacetime and conflict. It includes psychological, physical and sexual violence. 
Zonta envisions a world where no woman lives in fear of violence. Through the “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women” campaign, Zonta members and allies stand together, uniting their voices to advocate for all those who have suffered gender-based violence.

Source: https://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2023/11/17/157852/zonta-says-no-to-violence-against-women

In the news: Zonta Club of Bradford presented with a proclamation from mayor

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Source: The Bradford Era
Zonta Club of Bradford was presented with a proclamation from Mayor Tom Riel at Tuesday’s Bradford City Council meeting.

Receiving the proclamation were (from left) club members Holly Puglio, president, and Ginny Crouse. Nov. 25 begins Zonta’s 16 Days of Advocacy shedding a light on violence against women.

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 orange lights at area merchants, local residences and public buildings show support of the We Say No to Violence Against Women campaign.

Visit the Zonta Club’s Facebook page for more information about how to get involved.

Source: https://www.bradfordera.com/news/zonta-clubs-16-days-of-advocacy-coming-soon/article_3230921a-83eb-11ee-8416-ab727e61f415.html

In the news: Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area to kick off 16 days of Activism

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Source: Star Beacon
ASHTABULA — The Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area (ZCAA) will kick off the 16 Days of Activism on Monday at the lift bridge on Bridge Street.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the support of the Lift Bridge Community Association by lighting the lift bridge with orange lights — the color that symbolizes the Zonta International campaign of Zonta Says NO to Violence against Women.
“This year, the ZCAA also purchased two bill-boards in Ashtabula to bring even more awareness to finding ways to put an end to violence,” said Linda Coblitz of the ZCAA.

The Zonta Says No campaign, unites Zonta clubs and members around the world as they raise their voices to bring awareness to this issue and advocate on behalf of violence survivors and victims.
“As the world prepares for the holidays, instances of violence against women and girls continue to rise,” she said. “Now, more than ever, it is essential that we work together, with our communities, partners, and future generations, to end violence.”

Zonta International partners with the United Nations in their UNITE campaign, which also works to bring awareness to accountability in stopping gender-based violence.

Annually and internationally these dates are part of the 16 days of Activism: Nov. 25 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women; Nov. 29 International Women’s Human Rights Defenders; Dec. 1 World AIDS Day and Dec. 10, which ends the 16 Days of Activism is HUMAN Rights Day.

Zonta International believes in making the world a better place by empowering women and finds joy in doing this in a supportive community of like-minded professionals from diverse countries and cultures.

The local Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area meets on the second Monday of each month to discuss and plan local service projects, network, and continue learning about our community and world. For more information about the local club see its Facebook Page: Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area, send an email to zonta5ashtabula@yahoo.com or check out the Zonta International website zonta.org.

Source: https://www.starbeacon.com/news/local_news/zonta-club-to-kick-off-16-days-of-activism/article_780927a6-822a-11ee-a1b3-6b4ac7e440ff.html

Zonta Club of Sofia Says NO to cyberviolence

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The first of November marks Bulgaria’s National Awakeners Day, commemorating Bulgarian writers, scholars, educators and freedom fighters. The Zonta Club of Sofia found this date perfect for organizing a meeting with students and teachers from the country on the topic: “Revivalists of the New Time!”

The meeting occurred at the Laboratory of Intelligent and Cyber-Physical Systems at the Technical University Sofia, which the club partners with. The club welcomed more than 200 students and teachers from across the country to the new building of the Innovation Center.

The event started with the club receiving a certificate and plaque from the university for their generous donation. They also introduced Zonta’s goals and mission to the attendees.

Inspector Emil Iliev from the Chief Department for Combating Organized Crime was a keynote speaker on cybersecurity and cyberviolence and talked with the students on this important issue.

One of the main technical lab sponsors appealed to the youths to be literate and reasonable in the modern digital world.

The event ended with plans for future joint projects between the club and the university, which signed a partnership agreement a year ago. They call on all youths to be literate and smart when online and say NO to cyberviolence.

Zonta cyclists brings attention to Zonta Says NO to Women Against Women

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Zontians from Area 5, District 27, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Ukraine, comprised a 35-member Zonta On Tour Cycling Team to kom op tegen kanker, stand up to cancer, through a four-day bike tour in Flanders.

One way the team trains is by cycling to district conferences whenever possible. Their driving force is their deare Zonta friend, Griet De Prycker, who lost her battle against cancer. Her motto was “focus on the sun,” the team stuck to this motto during their bike rides, despite rain or wind.

This year, the team aims to draw attention to the Zonta Says NO campaign. For the fifth year, they will embark on a journey to reach district conferences by bike. This time, they began their trip from the same point where we had concluded in 2021: Leuven, Belgium.

On Wednesday, 20 September, the team disembarked from Leuven to Vaals, Netherlands. Their 130 kilometers (about 80.8 miles) took them through Tienen, Sint-Truiden and Tongeren before we reached Vaals. The next day, they followed the Vennbahn bike route to Troisvièrges, Luxembourg, covering a distance of 135 kilometers. On Friday, they embarked on a 90-kilometer journey from Troisvièrges, heading south towards Luxembourg. In total, they covered 355 kilometers and encountered numerous uphill challenges, a true test even for their well-trained legs.

The team successfully conquered these challenges with the invaluable assistance of their dedicated sports team and logistical support whenever it was needed. Their arrival in Luxembourg was marked by a warm welcome from Honorary Member Maria Teresa, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, President Ute Schulz and many other dignitaries.

The team felt incredibly fortunate to be a part of Zonta, an organization that continuously motivates and propels us forward, regardless of our obstacles. The Zonta On Tour Team presented a generous donation of 5,000 euros to the Zonta Foundation for Women.

Click here to watch a short film from the team.

Zonta Club of Darmstadt knits to end violence against women

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The Zonta Club of Darmstadt, Germany, joined Viva Vittoria, a project in Italy to end violence against women by knitting blankets to raise funds to end violence against women.

Viva Vittoria is a relational shared work and spreads the message that once a woman understands her value, she automatically becomes the creator of her existence and can bring about change in herself and society. Knitting serves as a metaphor for self-creation and self-development. It is also a tool to help realize this project. It proved a perfect medium because it consists of a widespread and quickly learned creative mode. In adults, it connects to familiar images, brings out memories, and creates an attitude of encounter and relationship.

Anja Kernchen, who lives partly in Italy and Darmstadt, brought the project to the club. The club collected and knitted hundreds of blankets together in the past 1.5 years. Through an article, many across Europe and Australia sent in blankets for the project.

In the end, more than 2,000 blankets were sewn from the squares by many hands, with at least seven people working on each blanket to create an impressive statement against violence.

On 4 and 5 March, the club covered the 1,000 meters squared Friedensplatzwith the blankets, which could be purchased for a donation of at least 20 €.

The club sold all blankets and raised more than 50,000 euros. All proceeds were donated to Wildwasser Darmstadt e.V., a professional counseling center for girls and women affected by sexualized violence, and the help fund of the Frauenhaus Darmstadt.