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Last Updated: Nov 21, 2018 - 10:39:30 AM |
Zonta Bahamas announced plans for the "Say NO to Violence against Women" campaign
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Zonta Bahamas announced its plans for this years' "Zonta Says no to Violence against Women" campaign, held each year as Zontians all over the world mark 16 days of intense activism from November 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (the United Nations' Human Rights Day). The UN Secretary General's campaign UNiTE to End Violence Against Women call for action is themed: "Orange the World: Raise Money to End Violence Against Women and Girls".
This year, expect to see Zontians “Paint the Town Orange” as they do every year. This time, they will take to the communities in the Nassau Street area with the large orange ribbons residents have become accustomed to seeing around this time of year. Last year, Zontians took to the Pinewood Gardens area. This coming Wednesday, November 21, Minister of Social Services and Community Development Frankie Wilson has been invited to tie the first orange ribbon near the Nassau Street court house. Director of the Department of Genrder and Family Affairs Dr. Jacinta Higgs, students of the University of the Bahamas nursing program and police officers will assist Zontians in tying ribbons from Meeting Street all the way to UB. Along the way, they will hand out information leaflets and stop and speak to residents about the importance of protecting and empowering women.
Senator Carl Bethel speaks with a Zontian about the campaign, while sporting his orange and black tie in support
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Additionally, Zontians intend to distribute orange light bulbs for residents to use outside their homes, so that passers by could know that their home is taking a stand to "say no" to violence against women and girls.
After the ribbon tying along the trees and lamp posts on Nassau Street, Zontians will visit the House of Assembly to pin orange ribbons on all Parliamentarians. Last week, they did the same in the Upper House, receiving a warm greeting from Senators.
The public is invited to attend a town meeting to be held this Wednesday afternoon beginning at 4pm at the School of Nursing, Grosvenor Close for a live taping of Empress of Hot 91fm's show "Free Ya Mind", encouraging open dialogue on domestic violence in The Bahamas.
Senator Clay Sweeting receives his orange ribbon and learns how he can spread the message to end violence against women and girls
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Zontians will appear on numerous radio and television shows promoting the theme, beginning on November 25 straight through the 16 days of activism. Many other events are planned for the month, including the annual "Walk in My Shoes" event, planned for December 8 at Christie Park. On this day, members of the public are encouraged to bring a pair of new or gently used shoes to represent female victims of violence. The shoes are then donated to charitable organisations. To keep up with activities, visit Zonta Club of Nassau and Zonta Club of New Providence on Facebook.
Zonta International is a service organisation with a mission of advancing the status of women worldwide. Through funding from the Zonta International Foundation, the Zonta International Strategies to End Violence Against Women (ZISVAW) Program has provided more than US$9.5 million to support projects to prevent and end violence against women and girls in 46 countries.
Zontian Latoya Johnson pins an orange ribbon on Senator Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson
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Zontian Marisa Mason-Smith presents Senator Mildred Hall-Watson with a campaign T-shirt
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