Thirty-five percent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence—an international campaign that aims to inspire action and end violence against women and girls around the world—the Zonta Clubs of Indiana (Frankfort, Indianapolis, Lebanon), along with members of local communities will rally and walk to advocate for change!
On September 23, 2023 at 10am, a rally will begin at Zionsville Town Hall located at 1100 W Oak Street. Zionsville, IN. Speakers include Ericka Lee from YWCA Greater Lafayette; Jessica Jacobs from Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Mary Nolen from Hope Center Indy; and Stephanie Marzano previously from Reclaim13. A 15-minute walk to remember those impacted starts immediately after the rally and ends at the Lincoln Park downtown Zionsville.
At the local level, Zonta clubs across the world have organized activities and events as part of the 2023 Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, which focuses on the service and advocacy actions of Zonta clubs and districts to prevent and end violence against women and girls in their local communities.
“Zonta envisions a world where no woman lives in fear of violence. Through the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, our members and allies stand together, uniting our voices to advocate for all those who have suffered gender-based violence,” said Zonta International President Ute Scholz. “Zonta is needed now, more than ever, to continue its work to end violence and build a better world for women and girls.”
Each year during the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which runs from 25 November – 10 December, Zonta International encourages its clubs to participate in advocacy efforts that focus on prevention, protection and prosecution. The clubs in Indiana typically place yard signs and orange pinwheels on courthouse lawns to symbolize those who have died from domestic violence. In years past vigils and programs on domestic violence and teen dating violence have been held. In recent years focus on eliminating human trafficking and child marriage have been included. This year, the rally and walk on September 23 will be a kick off for Domestic Violence Awareness month of October, as well as November’s 16 Days of Activism.
Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women began in November 2012. To learn more and join the campaign, please visit www.zontasaysno.com. Zonta International’s ongoing efforts to end violence against women and girls at the international level are carried out through the Zonta’s International Service Program and through Zonta’s partnerships with the United Nations and its agencies. Since the program’s inception in 1999, more than US$32.7 million has been provided to support projects to improve women’s health, provide better economic opportunities and prevent gender-based violence in 66 countries.
Zonta International (www.zonta.org) is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy. More than 26,000 members in 63 countries work together to make gender equality a worldwide reality for women and girls. Since 1923, Zonta International has provided more than US$46.3 million to empower women and girls and expand their access to education, health care, economic opportunities and safe living conditions.