For Immediate Release
22 November 2013

TAKING A STAND AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE – ZONTA ‘SAYS NO’

On 25 November, Zonta Clubs throughout New Zealand will be visible in their communities wearing orange ribbons and taking a stand against gender based violence. Activities will continue during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence – an international campaign originating from the first Women's Global Leadership Institute sponsored by the Centre for Women's Global Leadership in 1991.

“We cannot and must not ignore the fact that violence against women and girls is still pervasive in all kinds of countries and societies, with one in three girls impacted during their lifetime,” said Zonta International President Lynn McKenzie. “It’s in our backyard. Zonta International has been committed to its prevention and eradication for many years. In 2013, as the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women focuses on fighting violence against women, we support the initiative with ‘Zonta Says NO’.”

The New Zealand ‘Zonta says No’ campaign has begun –

Mangawhai Club’s four large orange hardboard dolls, printed with statistics on violence perpetrated against women, are currently positioned in prominent places. The ‘White Ribbon’ bikers will transport these dolls whilst riding through Ruakaka, Northland this Saturday 23rd November 2013.

Wellington Club is organizing a march for this Sunday 24 November 2013 starting at 10.30 am at Wellington City's Civic Square, walking along the Wellington waterfront and finishing at Waitangi Park – wear orange – join the march and global campaign.

Maureen Heine, Governor of Zonta New Zealand commends the way members have embraced the campaign “I am so encouraged by the enthusiasm of our members and the initiatives they are undertaking. Advocacy breakfasts are organized, banners, posters and displays will be placed in prominent places. Our members abhor violence in any form, especially against women and children; our global campaign gives us the channel to take a stand”.

Zonta Says NO began in November 2012 and will continue through December 2013, focusing 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 International’s ongoing efforts to end violence against women and girls are carried out through the Zonta International Strategies to End Violence against Women (ZISVAW) program and through Zonta’s partnerships with the United Nations and its agencies.

To learn more about “Zonta Says NO” and join the campaign, please visit zontasaysno.com. For further information about Zonta International and opportunities to join this global organization of executives and professionals working to advance the status of women worldwide visit: www.zonta.org www.zonta.org.nz

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