At a time when the world is horrified with high profile women sharing their survival stories of sexual harassment, abuse and assault, Zonta east Auckland is working towards the Orange Splash Day to be held on November 25.
The ongoing advocacy campaign sends a strong message to raise awareness against unacceptable levels of violence against women and girls around the world.
Members of Zonta east Auckland, a part of an international women’s organisation dedicated to changing lives, will be handing out around 3000 orange ribbons to individuals and businesses in the Howick area. The orange ribbons signify that leading a dignified life free of violence is not just a women’s issue but a societal one.
The #METOO campaign that has gone viral on social media with hashtags being used in 12 millions posts in the first 24 hours is proof of the magnitude of the problem— rampant not only amongst economically disadvantaged girls but also women of substance and celebrities who finally decided to come out with the shameful secret.
The ongoing advocacy campaign Zonta Says No that kick-started in November 2012, continues with the anti-violence initiative in local communities.
“We intend to splash Howick township with ribbons and a display the rotunda and Howick Library. There will also be Police officers supporting us, as well as students from Macleans College who are part of the young Z Club,” says Gay Gallagher an active member of Zonta east Auckland that recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary.
“It’s not only about saying no to violence but Zontains have also been proactive to initiate change,” she says.
Gay cites the Loves Me Not campaign that Zonta supported for the last three-and-a-half years in secondary schools.
The Loves Me Not initiative explores healthy relationships and the sensitive subject of relationship abuse and consent.
Following the death of Sophie Elliot at the hands of a former boyfriend that shocked the nation, it became clear that she had been in a typically abusive relationship.
Sadly neither Sophie nor her mother had been able to read the tell-tale signs.
The Loves Me Not campaign aims at lowering the levels of domestic violence through education.
“It’s about recognising healthy and unhealthy relationships. The campaign targeted at Year 12 students enabled young adults to be in a safe and positive relationship.”
Empowering women through service and advocacy, Zonta works towards promoting justice and universal respect for human rights as it works towards law changes to prevent female genital mutilation, human trafficking and violence against women that includes psychological, physical and sexual violence.
