On 25 November, the Zonta Club of Frankfort is joining Zonta International in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. One of the most widespread and persistent human rights violations in our world today, violence against women and girls (VAWG), appears in physical, sexual, and psychological forms including intimate partner violence, sexual violence and harassment, child marriage, human trafficking, and female genital mutilation.
Each year during the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December), Zonta International encourages its clubs and members to join the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and 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.
“Violence against women and girls has no national or cultural barriers and affects millions of women and girls of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds. It encompasses emotional, verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, including rape, child marriage, and human trafficking, along with economic control and/or abuse.” ~ Rachel Milburn, President – Zonta Club of Frankfort
The Zonta Club of Frankfort recently hosted the 10th annual Area 4 Zonta Says NO! Event/Walk on November 15th. This kicked off Zonta’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence which runs from today, November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and December 10th, Human Rights Day. The event included several speakers who shared information about or related to domestic violence, along with the City’s Proclamation issued by Mayor Judy Sheets, a member of the Zonta Club of Frankfort. The Proclamation encouraged all residents to practice and promote gender equality, to advocate for survivors of gender-based violence, and to act in service on their behalf. The morning’s event at the FCPL concluded with a viewing of the film “Finding Nicole,” based on the true-life story of Nicole Beverly, who survived years in the devastating cycle of domestic violence.
Attendees wrapped up the morning by walking around the downtown square with “Zonta Says NO! signs. Advocacy efforts against gender-based violence will continue throughout the 16 Days, so please follow local and/or social media: www.facebook.com/zontaclubfrankfort.
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Zonta calls on its members to advocate for ending gender-based violence and participate in Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women.