THIRTY-FIVE per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence.
As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence – an international campaign that aims to inspire action and end violence against women and girls around the world – the Zonta Club of Warwick, along with members of the local community, will promote awareness of domestic and family violence services available through Orange Lady displays between 25 November and 10 December.
Sonja Honig Schough, Zonta International president, said violence against women is “a worldwide pandemic” – it crosses every social and economic class, every religion, race and ethnicity.
“At least one out of every three women worldwide have experienced violence during their lifetime,” she said.
“We in Zonta International cannot accept this – we need to use all our energy to eradicate violence against women locally and internationally through service and advocacy.”
The Zonta Club of Warwick has engaged local workplaces, businesses and clubs to participate in the 16 Days of Activism.
The Warwick Men’s Shed has made an Orange Lady, and this will be displayed for 16 days at the following locations:-
25 November – RSL
26 November – Bunnings Hardware
27 November – IGA
28 November – outside Betta Bilt
29 November – Heritage Bank
30 December – Southern Downs Regional Council office
1December – Condamine Medical Centre
2 December – Carbal Medical Centre
3 December – Golf Club
4 December – Cafe Jacqui’s
5 December – Hermitage Research Station
6 December – Warwick Hospital
7 December – Sovereign Hotel
8 December – WIRAC
9 December – Peace Walk and Candle Vigil on the River Walk, with display at Hockey Club
10 December – Redbacks AFL Clubhouse
Pamphlets from the Not Now, Not Ever website will be available at each of these locations.
Those visiting these locations will be able to access this information, so as to inform the wider community of services that are available to those experiencing domestic and family violence.
Zonta Club of Warwick encourages the community to join the Peace Walk from the Warwick Town Hall to Leslie Park and Candle Vigil on 9 December.
Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy.
With more than 30,000 members belonging to nearly 1200 clubs in 67 countries, Zontians all over the world volunteer their time, talent and support to local and international service projects and educational programs.
To learn more, visit www.zonta.org.
