In the News: Zonta Club of Cebu 1 to hold 18-day celebration on women, girls rights

December 2, 2021Zonta International Leave a comment

ZONTA Club of Cebu 1 is set to conduct a series of activities to promote awareness of the rights of women and girls.

The club will celebrate the annual 18 Days of Activism End Violence Against Women and Girls from November 25, 2021, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until December 12.

Zonta Club of Cebu 1 is the charter Member of Zonta International in Cebu.

December 10 is the actual World Human Rights Day, but then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo added two more days to the celebration.

The theme of the event is “Orange The World, Leave No One Behind: End Violence Against Women and Girls.”

Women empowerment

The main vision of Zonta International is really the empowerment of women and children, said Zonta Club of Cebu 1 president Gina Garcia Atienza.

“Our club, a charter member of Zonta International in Cebu, aims to create awareness among women in the community. Women’s rights are human rights. They are not given what is due them so it’s important that they know how to protect themselves legally,” Atienza said.

For her part, Zonta Club of Cebu 1 vice president Jane Panganiban said women from the marginalized sector often experience violence.

“We feel that this activity will help empower women. Education is also empowerment,” she said.

Zonta Club of Cebu 1 will be organizing several activities such as the virtual training on gender-based violence on November 25; the tree planting and launching of Go Green Initiative on November 26; a talk on Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (Republic Act 9262) on November 26; Cyber Blast Campaign on violence against women; and poster with slogan competition.

Violence
Just like other countries, there are also cases of violence against women and children in the Philippines. According to the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey, 27 percent of married women experienced physical, sexual and/or emotional violence by a spouse during their lifetime. Many women and children are also victims of economic abuse, where fathers, or husbands, do not provide financial support to their families.

The survey shows that 17 percent of women (aged 15-49 years old) have experienced physical violence since age 15. Also, 73 percent of cases against married women were perpetrated by a current or former husband/partner. It was also found that 51 percent of never-married women were perpetrated by a parent or step parent.

Based on the findings, five percent had experienced sexual violence that were committed by current or former husbands, partners or boyfriends.

However, only 34 percent of women who experienced physical or sexual violence sought help through formal systems, according to the survey results.

Through its activities, Zonta Club of Cebu 1 aims to encourage women to stand for their rights.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1913810/Cebu/Local-News/Zonta-Club-of-Cebu-1-to-hold-18-day-celebration-on-women-girls-rights

In the News: Chatham rally raises awareness about gender-based violence

December 2, 2021Zonta International Leave a comment

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t kept the local Zonta Club from marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, but it continues to raise concerns for the victims potentially trapped in homes with their abusers.

That concern was top of mind when the Zonta Club held its annual Zonta Says No campaign last year during the pandemic and remains a year later as the second COVID-era rally took place Thursday on the Parry Bridge in Chatham.

“People think in Canada we’re a pretty damn civilized society, but one of the hideous outcomes of COVID has been a dramatic increase in gender-based violence,” Hiliary Henley, advocacy chair for the Zonta Club, said.

She said many victims have been hidden away at home.

“One in three women will experience violence in their lifetime,” said Karen Hunter, executive director of the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre, during a flag-raising at the Civic Centre Thursday that also marked the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence worldwide.

“Over the last year in Ontario, femicide rates have increased substantially,” she said. “Every loss to gender-based violence is one too many.”

Tara Greenway, the sexual assault domestic violence co-ordinator and clinical resource nurse at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, said about 60 victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are treated in the emergency department each year – and that’s only the people who come forward.

She noted the numbers actually dipped at the beginning of the pandemic, and then rose up, but have since settled to numbers usually seen in the emergency department.

Some of the participants in the Zonta Says No campaign stand on the Parry Street Bridge in Chatham on Thursday to take part in the annual rally to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. ELLWOOD SHREVE PHOTO/Chatham Daily News/Postmedia jpg, CD
Greenway said it’s critical to bring this issue to the public’s attention through events such as rallies.

“The reason I’m here is to let people know to not be afraid to come in,” she said.

Noting some people may be afraid to see medical help because of other issues, such as a drug addiction, Greenway said, “We are really here to help.”

She said victims will never have to sit in the waiting room with the general public but will be taken to a safe place to receive medical attention in private.

“Don’t be afraid. Don’t be ashamed. Come forward,” Greenway said, adding there is 24-7 on-call coverage.
Greenway said there is also no pressure from health-care workers for victims to get the authorities involved.

“If they do not feel comfortable involving the legal system, we can (collect) a sexual assault evidence kit and we can hold it for up to a year,” she said.

Some of the participants in the Zonta Says No campaign, stand on the Parry Street Bridge in Chatham on Thursday to take part in the annual rally to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. ELLWOOD SHREVE PHOTO/Chatham Daily News/Postmedia PHOTO BY ELLWOOD SHREVE /jpg, CD

Some Grade 11 students from École secondaire de Pain Court took part in the rally as part of a school project.

Jayden Viazon, 16, said their project, called Global Goal, focuses on gender equality.

She said the students have done research in class, but she wanted to do something more than making a poster or posting to a social media account.

“I really want to do something with this project,” Viazon said.

Some of the participants in the Zonta Says No campaign, walk towards the Parry Street Bridge in Chatham on Thursday to take part in the annual rally to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. ELLWOOD SHREVE PHOTO/Chatham Daily News/Postmedia jpg, CD

Christian Ruiz, 16, joined his fellow classmates in participating in the rally.

“I want to learn as much as I can about what happens and what we can do to help it stop,” he said.

Viazon believes it is important for young people to get involved in this issue.

“It’s been too normalized for women to be assaulted and feel in danger,” she said.

There are a lot of young women who can’t open up and talk about the situations they’ve been through because of how difficult and sensitive of the topic can be, she said.

“I feel it’s important that we should all fight together in order that everybody can feel comfortable in their own skin and who they are as a person,” Viazon said. “I’m really proud that we’re all here.”

https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/local-news/rally-raises-awareness-about-gender-based-violence

In the News: Zonta launches 16 Days of Activism magazine

December 2, 2021Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta Club of Bundaberg has released a magazine as part of their 16 Days of Activism Campaign to support eliminating violence against women and girls.

Hot off the press and now being distributed throughout the region, the magazine highlights the activities of the campaign which runs from 2 November through to 10 December, along with valuable information and stories about Zonta, its members and more.

With just days until the sold out Add Your Voice – Zonta Says No to Domestic Violence breakfast fundraiser on Saturday 20 November, the organisation is calling on the community to support the campaign.

“This year, we are doing something a little different and are raising funds for both the Small Steps for Hannah Foundation as well as local educational and domestic violence programs,” President of the Zonta Club of Bundaberg Le-Anne Allan said.

“We chose Small Steps 4 Hannah because their vision aligns to the Zonta vision.”

“They are about educating, advocating and supporting people around domestic and family violence.”

“They are also focused on funding projects to deliver awareness, education and support.”

Special guest speaker for the breakfast is Laura Bos who is a founding board member of Small Steps 4 Hannah.
The organisation was established after the tragic loss of Hannah Clarke and her children in February 2020.

Laura was instrumental in supporting the Clarke family to develop the organisation’s strategy and be the champions of changes to laws around coercive control.

A passionate advocate of supporting people to be ‘better humans,’ Laura has championed programs and worked with many organisations that are focused on support and education, believing that, in the words of Maya Angelou, “when you know better, you do better.”

What is the 16 Days of Activism Campaign?

The 16 Days of Activism Campaign is about eliminating violence against Women and Girls.

During this period (25 November to 10 December) Zonta Clubs around the world unite to highlight the Zonta International Campaign to eliminate violence against women and girls.

Held on 25 November is the United Nations Day for the elimination of violence against women and 10 December is the United Nations Day for Human Rights.

Between these two dates is the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.

https://www.bundabergnow.com/2021/11/19/zonta-launches-16-days-of-activism-magazine/

In the News: Local women’s club fights against gender violence

December 2, 2021Zonta International Leave a comment

Missouri ranked the second-highest state in the country for violence against women in a 2021 study by Violence Policy Center. Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau members want to shine light on the issue.

“Incidents of gender-based violence is an epidemic worldwide,” Zonta member Cheryl Mothes said. “It is pervasive, and in some ways getting worse because of social media for young girls in particular.”

Every year, Zonta clubs across the country advocate to end gender-based violence through 16 days of activism.

The campaigns begin Nov. 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and end Dec. 10, Human Rights Day. The time frame was chosen to highlight how violence against women and young girls is a human rights violation, according to Mothes.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Bob Fox read a proclamation at Monday night’s City Council meeting to recognize the 16 days between Nov. 25 and Dec. 10 as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.

Local Zonta members have events planned in Cape Girardeau for their campaign.

From 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 27 at Capaha Park Liberty Corner, Zonta will host a memorial service for Missouri women who were murdered in 2020.

From 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at Capaha Park Liberty Corner, Zonta will organize a peaceful assembly for its Zonta says No to Violence Against Women Event. Other community organizations including Safe House of Southeast Missouri and Honorable Young Men Club will attend to stand in solidarity, Mothes said.

Bringing awareness to violence against women has long been a personal motivation of Mothes’.

“I was a victim of sexual harassment, but, long before that, I was wired to elevate the status of women; not by bringing men down, but by leveling the playing field,” Mothes said.

https://www.semissourian.com/story/2917907.html

In the News: Zonta Says No

December 2, 2021Zonta International Leave a comment

A local service club is continuing its fight to eliminate violence towards women.

The Zonta Club of Chatham-Kent will be taking to the Parry Bridge on Keil Drive in Chatham later this month to show support for the millions worldwide who suffer the effects of sexual assault, spousal abuse, human trafficking, rape, female circumcision and other crimes.

The rally will be held over the noon-hour on Thursday, November 25th, which marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence towards Women.

https://ckxsfm.com/zonta-says-no-4/

In the News: Zonta Club of Ashtabula to kick off 16 days of activism

December 2, 2021Zonta International Leave a comment

ASHTABULA — The Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area will kick off the 16 Days of Activism on Nov. 22 at the historic lift bridge on Bridge Street.

The Lift Bridge Community Association supports this international event and local organization by lighting the lift bridge with orange lights — the color that symbolizes the Zonta International campaign of “Zonta Says NO to Violence against Women,” said Linda Coblitz of Ashtabula, a Zonta member.

This year Zonta also purchased two billboards in Ashtabula to bring even more awareness to finding ways to put an end to violence. The Zonta Says No campaign, which began 10 years ago, 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 continues to live with the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing for the holidays, instances of violence against women and girls are on the rise. 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. 25th International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women; Nov. 29th 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 monthly 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 go to its Facebook Page: Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area or check out the Zonta International website zonta.org.

https://www.starbeacon.com/news/local_news/zonta-club-of-ashtabula-to-kick-off-16-days-of-activism/article_1a523739-ff3a-57da-9836-6db1ae541612.html

In the News: Zonta Club of Kauai invite people to action for 16 Days of Activism

December 2, 2021Zonta International Leave a comment

LIHU‘E — News media accounts of child and domestic abuse incidents appear almost daily, and, during this time of COVID-19, are appearing to increase.

The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i is attempting to do something about stemming the situation, joining the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign during the 16 Days of Activism that takes place starting Nov. 25 and continuing through Dec. 10.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive human rights violations, and a global epidemic states the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i who invite other Zonta Clubs and districts to participate in the Zonta campaign. It knows no national or cultural barriers and affects millions of women and girls in peacetime and conflict.

“This year, the Advocacy Committee decided to do a Malama Pu‘olo Na Wahine, or care bundles for women,” said Edie Ignacio Neumiller of the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i. “Last year, in November 2020, our campaign advocacy event donated many towels to the survivors at the YWCA Women’s Shelter, the towels coming from donations from the Zonta Club members and people in the community.”

The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i is partnering with Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Child and Family Service, the Girl Scouts Hawai‘i, Deja Vu Surf Hawai‘i, and the Kukui Grove Center to provide Malama Pu‘olo Na Wahine bundles for women on our island.

The club is also soliciting the help of Kaua‘i people to contribute to the bundles by dropping off new, unopened care items, including skincare, hair care, toiletry, and lip gloss to special drop off locations.

Drop-offs can be made at the Deja Vu Surf Hawai‘i at Kukui Grove starting Nov. 15 and continuing until Dec. 3 during the store’s normal operating hours.

On Dec. 4, the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i and its partners will be at the Kukui Grove Center Food Court to accept drop-off contributions and share the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign. Members will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and members of the public are also invited to share the campaign.

Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals committed to empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential.

In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision-making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.

https://www.thegardenisland.com/2021/11/08/hawaii-news/zonta-club-of-kauai-invite-people-to-action-for-16-days-of-activism/

Zonta e-Club of USA2 makes daily donations during 16 Days of Activism

December 1, 2021Zonta International Leave a comment

As a part of the Zonta Says NO campaign, the Zonta e-Club of USA2, USA, supports women in need by donating to women’s shelters, homeless shelters or individuals in their communities. A different donation is given for each day from 25 November to 10 December. The club chose to give primarily diapers, feminine products and bras.

As an e-Club, the club members are spread across the country and can’t easily get together. Therefore, they are all committed to making a difference in their own communities. They have given donations in Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma and even in Mexico. The club also plans to make further donations in Louisana, Massachusetts and Wyoming.

Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte lights up city hall in orange

December 1, 2021Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte, the Philippines, and the City Government of Laoag lighted up their city hall in orange to show solidarity for the Orange the World campaign. It is also a sign of the club’s support for preventing and eliminating gender-based violence.

Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte hosts virtual forum on equality of women

December 1, 2021Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte, the Philippines, partnered with the City Government of Laoag City on 29 November for both an in-person and virtual forum on equality of women. The forum took place at the City Auditorium.

Three speakers took turns to hold a discussion:

Attorney Franklin Calumag discussed RA 11313 Safe Space Act, which defines and penalizes harassment of women in public spaces and online.
PCPL Amynet Gaoiran talked about RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Zontian Dr. EM Gagni lectured the audience on the importance of mental health and psychosocial support.