Every year during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Syracuse, USA joins the Zonta community to raise awareness about the tragic events associated with domestic abuse. But this is not just a 16-days-a-year problem.

On 1 December, the Zonta Club of Syracuse and Women’s Opportunity Center held the event, “Why Does She Stay?” to raise awareness of the obstacles women face when trying to leave an abusive relationship.

The event featured panelists Amy Barone from Syracuse University, Elana Agrasto of Daniella’s Steak House and Gail Rizzo-Spilka from AmeriCu Credit Union, who shared their experiences and expertise. Each of these women experienced “white collar domestic abuse” and are sharing their experiences to help other women find hope.

Click here to view a recording.

In addition to this national event, the club posted more than 16 marketing assets raising awareness around domestic abuse, which are being shared by other clubs across the country.

The club also hosted its Holiday Brunch event, partnering with its local Z club to learn about the advocacy efforts of local high school students to raise awareness for the next generation of leaders.

On 25 November, club members attended Syracuse’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony while wearing orange and carrying a Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women banner, along with their Zonta Club of Syracuse banner.

As a result of its social media campaign, the club president and two male members will be interviewed by a news station about its HeForShe campaign, which will be rolled out next year.

To create awareness during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Rockhampton Inc, Australia, placed Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women banners beside high-traffic areas near major highways leading north and south of Rockhampton to secure widespread publicity. The banners will remain in those positions for the 16 Days of Activism Campaign from 25th November to 10th December.

On 24 November, the Zonta Club of Woodstock, Canada, raised an orange Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women flag at Museum Square in partnership with the Domestic Assault Resource Team of Oxford.

“Now, more than ever let’s come together as a community to unite and raise our voices to bring awareness to this issue. Let’s do our part to advocate on behalf of gender-based violence survivors,” Rubelyn Smith, the club’s vice president, said.

The Zonta Club of Ipswich, Australia, partnered with its city council to install a red bench in Tulmur Place, the civic center in the Queensland suburb.

Red benches, a Red Rose Foundation project, aim to raise awareness of domestic violence and provide an opportunity for this important issue to remain visible.

Councillor Kate Kunzelmann, a longtime member of the Zonta Club of Ipswich, led the initiative, which was unveiled during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism.

Click here to read more.

The Zonta Club of Glens Falls, USA, is asking residents to shine orange lights outside their homes and businesses and wear orange as part of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women initiative.

The local chapter has been distributing posters, cards with information about local resources and orange candies to local retail shops and eateries in downtown Glens Falls as part of the club’s annual 16 Days of Activism. The international initiative runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10.

https://poststar.com/news/local/glens-falls-zonta-club-wants-to-see-orange/article_373619b8-6fe9-11ed-b775-0beec166377d.html

The Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent stood strong on the Third Street Bridge Friday to show their support for female victims of abuse across the world.

The annual event protests against human trafficking, sexual harassment, sexual assault and female circumcision, and is part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

https://chathamvoice.com/2022/11/30/zonta-says-no-2/

The Zonta Club of Oil City-Franklin, USA, participated in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and honored the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence by turning the Center Street Bridge orange.