In the news: Zonta Club of New Providence engages current and former first ladies in Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign

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Ann-Marie Davis, wife of Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis and current representative of the Office of the Spouse, along with Patricia Minnis, former representative of the Office of the Spouse, together tied the first orange ribbon for the 2021 “Orange the World” campaign against gender-based violence (GBV).

Davis and Minnis spoke in solidarity against incidents of violence towards women and girls in the country.

Led by the Zonta Club of New Providence, Bahamas, the campaign is part of international advocacy against violence. After the first bow was tied at Lincoln Boulevard Park, Zontians went throughout the Englerston and wider community tying bows and speaking to residents. Zonta received support from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Rotary Club and Englerston community leaders.

https://ewnews.com/former-and-current-representatives-of-office-of-the-spouse-of-the-prime-minister-come-together-against-gender-based-violence

In the news: Zonta Club of Geelong oranges the world during the 16 Days of Activism

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The Zonta Club of Geelong, Australia, is encouraging the community to ‘Orange the World’ in support of eliminating violence against women.

Thursday was the United Nations’ Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, which kickstarted 16 days of activism against gender-based violence to raise awareness and mobilise people across the region and world to bring about change.

On Thursday, the Zonta Club walked in solidarity with victim-survivors of family violence from Cunningham Pier to Eastern Beach and back to raise awareness.

Club advocacy committee member Chris Denmead said the club’s members also planned to wear orange over the next two weeks, attach orange streamers to their cars and mailboxes and “spread the message”.

“Domestic and family violence is still way too prevalent everywhere in the world, not just here, and we need to keep working to reduce that,” she said.

“This sends the message that domestic violence is not acceptable no matter the situation.

“We want to see as many people wearing orange over the next 16 days, because the more people see the orange, they’re going to ask about it.

“Then we’re starting the conversation and that’s what it is about.”

Along with the Zonta Club’s activities, the City of Greater Geelong will be lighting up orange over the next few weeks.

https://geelongindy.com.au/news/26-11-2021/tackling-gender-based-violence/

In the News: Noosa says no to violence

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The Zonta Club of Noosa will again stage a walk as part of its international anti-violence campaign, Zonta Says No.

This event is part of 16 Days of Activism held in collaboration with Zontians worldwide and aimed at a local, national and international level to influence the creation and implementation of laws, and to change gender-based attitudes and behaviours to end violence against women and girls. In Australia, one woman in three has experienced physical or sexual assault in her lifetime.

This year’s event is a twilight walk and candlelight vigil to be held on Sunday 28 November from 5.30pm at the Lions Park River Stage on Gympie Terrace.

Noosa police officer in charge Ben Carroll will speak about local violence against women, followed by an update from Zonta Noosa president Margie Fisher on Zonta International’s efforts to assist abused women and girls – particularly those affected by the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.

Tealight candles will be distributed for attendees to carry on a short walk along the river and upon return to the River Stage, the lights will be placed in 50 odd empty shoes, symbolising the Australian women who have been violently killed this year. The event will end with a minute’s silent vigil.

Zonta Club of Noosa invites you to wear orange and come walk with us to show support of women around the world by attending our event at Lions Park.

From 25 November to 10 December, Zonta Noosa will be spreading the word about this important topic. Look for the Noosa Says No banner in Lions Park, visit our information stands at the Noosa Library and Bendigo Bank, like us on Facebook and follow our journey for those 16 days.

https://noosatoday.com.au/news/10-11-2021/noosa-says-no-to-violence/

In the News: Zonta Club of Oswego to take a stand against gender-based violence

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OSWEGO – Thirty-five percent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. Each year during the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which runs from 25 Nov. 25 – Dec. 10, Zonta International encourages its clubs to participate in advocacy efforts that focus on prevention, protection and prosecution.

As part of the 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 – the Zonta Club of Oswego along with members of the local community, are invited to attend “Maid Book Club: Impact and Resources in Our Local Community” at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 at Fallbrook Lodge. Presented by OCO, Inc’s Services to Aid Families. For more details and to RSVP, contact  OswegoZontaClub@gmail.com  or  www.facebook.com/ZontaClubOfOswego.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, instances of gender-based violence have risen. Now, more than ever, it is essential that we work together to end violence against women and girls,” said Zonta International President Sharon Langenbeck. “Through the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women campaign, Zonta clubs around the world are uniting to raise their voices to bring awareness to this issue and advocate on behalf of gender-based violence survivors.”

At the local level, Zonta clubs across the world have organized activities and events as part of the 2021 Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women campaign, which focuses on the service and advocacy actions of Zonta clubs and districts to prevent and end violence against women and girls in their local communities. If people take a walk along the Riverwalk in Oswego, Mayor William Barlow and the city have turned the lights orange in support of saying no to gender-based violence.

Join the “Oswego Zonta Club” on Facebook and Instagram to follow the online advocacy campaign. People will also see a number of “orange ladies” throughout the community in support of the campaign with additional information and resources. Community members are encouraged to take photos with the orange ladies on social media, tagged with -16DaysofActivism.

The following have given their support to this campaign: Mayor William Barlow and City Hall, Connext Care, Murdock’s, Riverwalk, Mother Earth Baby & Curious Kids, Oswego County Health Department, Oswego County Opportunities, Inc., Valti Graphics, Wayne Drug, and mission sponsor, Novelis.

“Zonta, is an inclusive International Service Organization of whose mission to elevate the status of women in the world, is advocating very strongly to stop all types of violence against women in all areas of their lives. This includes emotional, verbal, financial and physical abuse,” said Zonta Club of Oswego President, Sonia Robinson. “Our Zonta Club of Oswego Facebook page (and Instagram) will feature information and photos that represent our efforts to educate and combat violence against women. Join with us, as the Zonta Club of Oswego campaigns to end violence against girls and women. Together, we can make the world safer for women and girls now and in future generations.”

Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women began in November 2012. To learn more and join the campaign, visit www.zontasaysno.com. Zonta International’s ongoing efforts to end violence against women and girls at the international level are carried out through the Zonta International Strategies to end Violence Against Women (ZISVAW) program and through Zonta’s partnerships with the United Nations and its agencies. Since the program’s inception in 1999, more than $9.5 million has been provided to support projects to prevent and end violence against women and girls in 46 countries.

Zonta International (www.zonta.org) is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. More than 28,000 members in 63 countries work together to make gender equality a worldwide reality for women and girls. Since 1923, Zonta International has provided more than $45.9 million to empower women and girls and expand their access to education, health care, economic opportunities and safe living conditions.

https://www.nny360.com/news/oswegocounty/zonta-club-of-oswego-to-take-a-stand-against-gender-based-violence/article_12315fdb-8829-5eeb-961f-28eec6587377.html

In the News: Zonta Club says no to violence against women

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Zonta Club of Accra, together with all the other five Zonta International Clubs in Ghana, have dedicated 16 days, from 25th November to 10th December, 2021, to campaign against gender-based violence. 

The activism campaign is aimed at raising awareness about the seriousness of all forms of violence and the injustices meted out to women and girls, which impinge on their human rights, thus demeaning them.

Such violence includes; forced marriages, rape, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), human trafficking and domestic violence.”

To mark the celebration this year, Zonta Club of Accra last weekend staged a token sponsored walk to raise funds for service programmes they have embarked on to raise the status of women.

In a Media Release dated November 29, 2021, to mark the occasion, the President of the Club, Zontian Vivienne Idun-Ogde called for an end to all forms of violence against women and girls.  She said the campaign is aimed at bringing change and upholding the human rights of women who form the backbone of society.

She said violence against women is a worldwide pandemic crossing every social and economic class, religion, every race and ethnicity.  She added, “ Violence against women and girls occur in many aspects of life including the home, work places, on the internet, and in open space”. 

Giving out some statistics, the Zonta President said: “35 percent of women will experience violence at the hands of their current or former partners in their lifetime.” 

Further statistics show that 650 million women worldwide alive today were married as children.  Out of that number, one in three got married before age 15.  Additionally, 200 million women and girls worldwide have undergone FGM with majority of them cut at age five.

Women and girls together account for 71 percent of all human trafficking victims detected globally.

Zonta International is a leading global organisation of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. 

It envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognised as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential.  In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.

https://www.myjoyonline.com/zonta-club-says-no-to-violence-against-women/

In the News: Sault Zonta Club launches campaign against gender-based violence

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SAULT STE. MARIE – The Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie is launching a social media campaign to highlight the issue of gender-based violence. It’s part of an international campaign aimed at ending violence against women and girls.

At a flag-raising ceremony at Women in Crisis Algoma, a bell tolled 35 times – once for each of the women reported by the Ontario Association of Transition and Interval Homes to have been killed by a male in the province. It was with this that the local Zonta Club began its “No To Violence Against Women” annual campaign.

“All those women were loved by someone,” says Jane Vienneau, Chair of the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie.

“They were the mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, nieces, aunts. And we want to put names to those women so that people recognize that this has happened.”


Erin Lodge, Communications and Administration Coordinator for Women In Crisis Algoma, says it’s important for society not to remain silent on gender-based violence.

“The more people stand up and are willing to be confrontational in those moments, the more we’ll change what society deems acceptable in how they speak to and treat and think about women and girls,” she says.

Sarah Paciocco, a Sexual Assault/Abuse Crisis Counsellor, says there are some signs to watch out for if a woman is experiencing abuse at the hands of a partner.

“It might be things like they’re not allowed to go out with their friends,” she says. “Their partner might tell them who they can hang out with. They might be calling them constantly when they’re out – ‘where are you? When are you coming back?’ They might see them treating their partner really poorly when they go out somewhere.

From Nov.25 to Dec.10, the Sault Zonta Club and Women In Crisis will be drawing attention to gender-based violence by way of daily social media posts as part of Zonta’s “16 Days of Activism” campaign.

https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/sault-zonta-club-launches-campaign-against-gender-based-violence-1.5681821

In the News: Canberra turns orange to honour family violence victims

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The heartbreaking rates of domestic and family violence continues to be a stain on Australia, with an estimated 2.2 million adults reported as victims of physical and/or sexual violence by a partner from the age of 15.

To raise awareness, the Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast (ZCCB) is hosting the Zonta Says No campaign with several significant events as part of the United Nations (UN) International 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.  

Orange is the official theme of the Zonta Say No Campaign, the same colour as the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5, gender equality.

Beginning tonight, on the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Thursday 25 November, Old Parliament House and the National Carillon will light up orange.

The ACT Government will also be illuminating light rail stops this evening, and the Canberra Times fountain and the Malcolm Fraser Bridge for the entire 16 days.

ZCCB president Christine Magner said in the past 12 months alone, 38 women and girls across Australia have died as a result of domestic and family violence.

“While this is the lowest – so far – since numbers were first recorded in 2012, it might not tell the full story,” Ms Magner said.

“And from our work in delivering home starter packs to women rebuilding after violence, we know COVID has exacerbated the shortage of affordable housing options for women.”

The Zonta Says No campaign will conclude on Friday 10 December, International Human Rights Day, with the Canberra Rotary Peace Bell at Canberra Nara Peace Park tolling 38 times – one for each woman killed at the hands of domestic violence. 

On Tuesday 30 November, author Heidi Lemon, who wrote the story of Tara Costigan’s murder in The First Time He Hit Her, will feature in a discussion presented by Libraries ACT and hosted by ZCCB Vice President, Serina Bird.

ZCCB’s social media feed during the 16-day campaign will feature poignant photos of 38 pairs of shoes, representing every woman killed by domestic violence in Australia in the last 12 months.

https://canberraweekly.com.au/canberra-turns-orange-for-family-violence-victims/

In the News: Zonta Cebu 2 presents ‘18 Days of Activism

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Zonta Club of Cebu 2 proudly announces its relevant list of activities for total awareness of the danger and diverse effects of violence toward women. Entitled the “18 Days of Activism,” its focus is the international commemoration of the elimination of abuses of women and girls worldwide.

This year’s theme is “A VAW (Violence Against Women)-Free Mandaue Starts with Me.” The varied events are participated in by Zontians, as well as the Golden Z Clubs (Junior Zontians) from our universities.

Calendar is as follows:

Nov. 1-30 – Golden Z series of competitions in Animation, Story-telling, Literary Piece and Poster-making. Venue: USPF Golden Z.

Nov. 13-20 – Tubo-An eight-day Online Art Fair supporting 15 women artists, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Cebu.

Nov. 25 – ”Walk for Women” begins (virtual).
– Launching of the “18 Days of Activism” campaign, with messages from Sen. Risa Hontiveros; Rep. Maria Lourdes Acosta-Alba; Dr. Rhodora Bucoy, speaker on the relevance of the “18 Days of Activism;” and Zonta District 17 governor Chavali Pamela-Osathanugrah.

-Dissecting the ”Girls Not Brides” Law is speaker Atty. Myles Esquivel.
The webinar starts at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Meeting ID: 873-4171-2470 and Passcode: 378811.

Nov. 26 – ”Walk for Women”(virtual)

Nov. 27 – ”Walk for Women”(virtual)
– Tarpaulin/ Posters/Leaflets distribution at various locations.
– Announcement of winners: ”Women at the Core of the Pandemic: Celebrating their Resilience and Strength”—A Photo Competition, via the Zonta Club of Cebu 2 Facebook page.

Nov. 28 – “Walk for Women”
– Mandaue City Women Empowerment Movers
– 5:30 a.m. Mixed face-to-face at Mandani Bay and Virtual.

Nov. 29 – “Walk for Women”(virtual)

Nov. 30 – “Walk for Women” (virtual)
– “What does misogyny look like and why should we care?” Resource Person: Dr. Marie Aubrey J. Villaceran – Webinar via Zoom, 4 p.m., meeting ID: 869-3719-1898 and Passcode: 721249.

Dec. 1 – “Walk for Women”(virtual)
– Aids and Covid-19: Pandemics that crushed the world
– In observance of World Aids Day, webinar resource speakers: Commissioner Percival Cendana; Dr. Brian Lim and Dr. Helen Madamba.

Time: 6 p.m. via Zoom. Meeting ID: 830-7903-6980 and Passcode: 017493.

Dec. 2 and 3 – ”Walk for Women” (virtual)

Dec. 4 – ”Walk for Women” (virtual)
– The Perils of Teenage Pregnancy: What’s the rush? Don’t be a teen parent! Webinar resource speakers: Dr. Renna de Leon; Dr. Pureza Oñate, 3 p.m. via Zoom. Meeting ID: 835-9649-8222 and Passcode: 394769.

Dec. 5 to 11 “Walk for Women” (virtual)

Dec. 12 – “Walk for Women” (virtual)
– “A Cry for Help,” Examining the Length and Breadth of Human Trafficiking. Webinar Speaker, International Justice Mission, Atty. Olga I. Angustia-Gonzalez; Jonna Eleccion, 2 p.m. via Zoom. Meeting ID: 861-3511-7084 and Passcode: 345497
– Announcement of Audio Visual Competition Winners: “The Time is Now-Women Unite!” and “The Perils of Teenage Pregnancy.”

Dec. 15 – Launching of the E-Visit In Jail
– Giving of Christmas Favors, Mandaue City BJMP – Mixed Face-to-Face, Virtual.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1914095/Cebu/Lifestyle/Utzurrum-Zonta-Cebu-2-presents-18-Days-of-Activism

In the News: Art gallery explores topic of violence against women

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From Nov. 20 to Dec. 20, Cause & Affect Gallery in Fenton is showcasing art on a difficult topic — violence against women.

The “See it, Hear it, Speak out!” is an all-woman show in which 15 artists share their voices and perspectives on the violence women experience.

“Violence against women occurs all around the world and is in many forms. This exhibit speaks to many of these forms of violence. As a society if we see it, or heart it, we must speak out. This show may be triggering for some individuals and may not be appropriate for children,” according to the press release.

Annie Anglim, owner of the gallery, has wanted to take on hard topics ever since she opened Cause & Affect.

“Art has the ability to make people look at things differently. Nov. 25 each year is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and I wanted this show to coincide with that,” Anglim said.

This event is sponsored by the Zonta Club of Flint and Michigan Fence Company. Anglim is a member of Zonta International. The organization works to end violence against women. They do 16 days of activism every year beginning Nov. 25.

These heavy topics can be hard and triggering for people who have dealt with these experiences.

“This has been a tough show for me personally as well as I too was a victim. If we do not discuss these things, nothing will ever change. Using art to speak on this topic helps us to dialogue with one another,” Anglim said.

She hopes the exhibit helps people learn what women face every day.

“Women should not have to be a victim of violence just because they were born female. I also want to see men get on board and start to let one another know it is not okay to treat women this way. If there could be legislative change happen, that would be wonderful. An example of this is child marriage,” Anglim said.

Cause & Affect Gallery is located at 126 N. LeRoy St.
Gallery Hours:
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday
12 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday
10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday

According to the World Health Organization:
• Violence against women — particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence — is a major public health problem and a violation of women’s human rights.
• Globally, about 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Most of this violence is intimate partner violence. Worldwide, almost one third (27%) of women aged 15-49 years who have been in a relationship report that they have been subjected to some form of physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner.
• Violence can negatively affect women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, and may increase the risk of acquiring HIV in some settings.
• Violence against women is preventable. The health sector has an important role to play to provide comprehensive health care to women subjected to violence, and as an entry point for referring women to other support services they may need.

https://www.tctimes.com/news/art-gallery-explores-topic-of-violence-against-women/article_f8306e2c-4d65-11ec-9b14-5fb3709991f7.html

In the News: GIVE 2021: Outreached Hand with Zonta Club Traverse City

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From initiatives ranging from food insecurity to affordable housing, Zonta Club of Traverse City is working to provide opportunities to help elevate the status of local women and they need your help. Learn how you can support this project and additional Northern Michigan nonprofits featured in our 2021 GIVE issue.

It’s no secret that the pandemic has hit women particularly hard—the struggle to work without childcare and the stress of having school-aged children at home has meant women losing work, leaving work, juggling remote work or trying to get to essential jobs in the workplace.
Fortunately, Zonta Club of Traverse City has their backs. With a mission to empower women through service and advocacy, this fearless group of nonprofit leaders, professionals and passionate advocates has doubled down this past year. They’ve recruited even more members, funded and supported the work of local nonprofits, and are at the ready to help area women create lasting change in their lives and families.

As advocates, members participate in Zonta Club’s international campaign to prevent violence against women and support gender equity, as well as fund nonprofits with annual grants. “What we’re doing is putting our muscle behind the local organizations who are in the trenches working for the wellbeing of women and children,” says Zonta Club of Traverse City member Dayna Ryan.

Efforts include offering hands-on service and support with local initiatives to address hunger and food insecurity, helping build affordable housing for families, supporting literacy for children, promoting breast cancer prevention and providing opportunities for young girls in the fields of science and technology.

Zonta offers annual scholarships and awards that go directly to helping women of all ages reach their goals and educational dreams. In addition, Zonta offers opportunities and financial awards to exceptional women and girls in public affairs and leadership. “The goal is to encourage and recognize these women striving to the highest levels of personal accomplishment,” says Rhonda Estes, Zonta Club of Traverse City president.
Zonta is seeking passionate advocates to join them as members in their work to help elevate the status of local women. You can also support Zonta’s efforts at their annual Festival of Trees on November 12–13. Find out more at zontacluboftraversecity.org.

https://mynorth.com/2021/11/give-2021-outreached-hand-with-zonta-club-traverse-city/