Zonta Club to Take a Stand Against Gender-Based Violence
Wellington Zonta Club to Take a Stand Against Gender-Based Violence
During the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence (25 November – 10 December), the Zonta Club of Wellington, along with members of the local community, will join nearly 1,200 Zonta clubs in 67 countries for the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign. The campaign, launched in 2012 by Wellington’s Lynn McKenzie, NZOM, the then Zonta International President, is a global call for actions to end violence against women and girls in communities around the world. Zonta International (ZI) calls on parents, educators, administrators, policy and law makers to address PREVENTION OF ROOT CAUSES OF VIOLENCE THROUGH EDUCATION.
Zonta Club of Wellington will be joining White Ribbon’s “Walk a mile in her shoes march” on 25 November to end violence against women. The men of Wellington will pledge their support by marching the city streets in women’s shoes! They will meet at Midland Park at 12 noon and walk to Plimmer Steps and back again. In addition Zontians and partner groups will be making sure that our government and local authority representatives are aware of our action so that they too may pledge their support.
Agnes Espineda, President of the Zonta Club of Wellington says, “We are pleased to partner with White Ribbon and Women’s Refuge to raise awareness about Domestic Violence and Violence against women in our Community. The White Ribbon’s “Walk a mile in her shoes march” is a tangible way to highlight this terrible and ongoing problem. We have been advocating, debating, campaigning and bringing this issue to the attention of our city councilors and Members of Parliament over a long period of time to ensure we are of one accord and striving to keep our city safe,” says Agnes Espineda. “As well as the White Ribbon’s “Walk a Mile in women’s shoes march” we are actively supporting SAATS (Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Services) and have raised funds, for the Sophie Elliott Foundation to help young women foster healthy relationships through the “Loves-Me-Not” programme in schools.”
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