Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women

The Zonta Club of Wellington launched the 16 days of activism on 25 November in a spectacular symphony of orange at the November dinner meeting. Members reflected on their advocacy for women and girls, sharing personal stories about what ZONTA SAYS NO means to them and the women in their lives. The dinner featured a display of impactful slogans and meaningful artifacts, symbolizing Zonta’s commitment to a world free from violence against women and girl.

• An orange umbrella with the ZONTA SAYS NO logo symbolising that Zonta says no to violence in any conditions

• A pair of silver glitter heels, one on its side to symbolise the silent struggles experienced by victims

• A heartfelt message on a poster – Aroha does not hurt, Love does not hurt

• A megaphone with the words Hear Me inscribed on the side to remind us to listen, listen for the details, listen to what victims are not saying

• A book bag displaying the confronting statistics, one in every three women is a victim of violence and but only 33% of cases are reported

• A poster reminding pet owners and all animal lovers that Zonta Says no to violence against women and pets

The 16 days start on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of violence against women and conclude on 10 December Human Rights day.

During the 16 Days of Activism, all Zonta clubs and districts are encouraged to take part in the ZONTA SAYS NO to Violence Against Women campaign and to take local, national and international actions to influence the making and implementation of laws, as well as changing gender-based attitudes and behaviors to end violence against women.

Over the 16 Days the ZCW Advocacy Committee are launching a campaign to increase awareness and advocate for the elimination of violence against women.

• Social Media campaign showcasing the Zontians who are speaking up and committed to ending gender-based violence (GBV) by taking the ZONTA SAYS NO pledge and sharing it with friends, family, community members, business leaders and owners, local leaders, and political representatives. pledge to eliminate violence against women.

• Safety poster campaign that you will see on the inside of female toilet doors in Queensgate Mall, Mitre 10 Mega Petone, Old Bank Arcade and the Capital Gateway Centre.

• A book club reading list related to the 16 Days of activism.

• From Aotearoa

  • One Soul, One Survivor: from entrapment to empowerment by Debbs Murray (2024)

  • She is not your rehab: one man’s journey to healing and the global anti-violence movement he inspired by Matt Brown with Sarah Brown (2021),

  • Her Say: Survivors of Domestic Abuse Tell Their Own Stories by Jackie Clarke (2021)

• From International authors

  • Half the Sky – turning oppression into opportunity for women worldwide by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn (2010)

  • The Color Purple by Alice Walker (1982)

  • On violence and on violence against women by Jacqueline Rose (2022)

Zonta International 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.

More about the International ZONTA SAYS NO campaign.

Join us for a dinner meeting in the new year.