The Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign started in 2012 as a way to raise global awareness of, and increase actions to end, violence against women and girls. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign was created. Running from the 25thNovember to the 10th December each year, is dedicated to ending gender- based violence.
This time is used by groups around the world to highlight the link between gender-based violence and Human rights and to call for the elimination of violence against Women. . Femicide,slavery, Prostitution, trafficking in persons and genital mutilation know no boundaries.
A UN Women’s initiative, the campaign provides a forum in which organisations can develop and share strategies and demonstrates the solidarity of Women around the world to end the violence.
Zonta Maryborough is one such group participating in these 16 Days of Activism. Only through community participation can we end this violence.
Our first action against for the period will be the annual Zonta Says No Charity Golf Day on Sunday 28 at the Maryborough Golf Club. Due to Covid, the major fundraiser for the campaign, had to be cancelled last year. Year we welcome Oakhurst Excavations as our Gold sponsor, along with John Willet Lawer as our Silver sponsor. Several other local business’ will be Hole Sponsors on the day, with everyone coming together wearing their best and brightest orange outfits for the day. There will be burgers and drinks to make the day a complete fundraiser for the whole community to unite and make a stand against violence towards women and girls.
Zonta has been a voice of advocacy for these women for many years and annually raises public awareness through a series of events.
From Thursday 25 November… A display of “Orange Ladies” in local businesses will be the major highlight of the 16 Day campaign, and our Orange Banner will be moved about the community, displayed in prominent positions. This year we will be asked members of the public to donate dignity items at our collection points, for our club to distribute to victims of violence and those that have been displaced from their homes and support circles. There were handbags donated and out members filled them with the items and have distributed them to ACT for kids, Centacare, Maryborough Base hospital and many other organisations.
To highlight the period the Town Hall lights will be changed to Orange to support the UN Campaign. The LED digital sign on the corner of Kent and Adelaide Street will show a statement of support from the FCRC.
Campaigns such as these are successful because of the activism and commitment of Millions of Women worldwide.
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.
– Sharon Langenbeck, Zonta International President