Advocacy

Thank you for registering for the 4th Annual Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Summit. It was an informative and inspiring event, with three incredible speakers and reflections from some amazing young people. Please find recordings of all three sessions below.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence was initiated in 1991 by the Women’s Global Leadership Institute at Rutgers University.  Activists around the world recognize it as a time to raise awareness in their communities and to call for the elimination of all types of gender-based violence. The designated 16-day period begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on Nov. 25 and ends on Human Rights Day Dec. 10. In addition to Zonta, more than 6,000 organizations from 187 countries have participated in the campaign.  Here are highlights from District 1 Clubs!

The Zonta Club of Chelsea and North Shore is pleased to share with everyone how we plan to commemorate the “16 Days of Activism.” We traditionally provide aid to the most vulnerable local women and/or the programs that serve them during the 16 Days of Activism. This year our group has chosen to aid women in a new housing unit, that has been established in our area, that provides permanent housing to women who are survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and long-term homelessness. These are women who often suffer from comorbid mental health and substance abuse issues, and whose overall instability has been a historical barrier to their access to more traditional national, state, and community services. Their current reported need is for toiletries as they establish permanent housing for the first time. We plan to deliver gift bags, full of toiletries for each of the 13 residents of Orchid House, one of three such new housing units. Our gift bags from Zonta International are reusable orange bags displaying the “Zonta Says No To Violence Against Women.”
Respectfully submitted on behalf of “Chelsea Zonta”
Janice Tatarka, President
Georgia Green, Chair, Advocacy Committee
Joan Lanzillo
Note from Governor Donna Raycraft:  “A perfect match for the goals of  16 Days. I love that they were packed in an orange reusable Zonta bag, too. The bags not only promote Zonta, but their reusability hits the mark on the second ZI goal of reversing climate change by using sustainable products. A win all the way around.”

The Zonta Club of Halifax Nova Scotia CA
Carol Dobson, President notes:  I have secured the illumination of Government House, which is also in flux as our wonderful Lieutenant Governor is ending his term and no date has been set for the change of command. We have a message into Peggy’s Cove and will be chasing Marcy the first of the week.

The Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley
Karen Keough-Huff, Vice President and Chair of Advocacy is pleased to announce a ‘first’ for the club.… Read the rest

The Zonta Says NOW Intercontinental Think Tank meets on the third Sunday of each month and members may register via the Zonta International Events page.  Recordings of Intercontinental Think Tank meetings and can be found here.
The November Zonta International Think Tank shared the newly released Fact Sheet on Women’s Economic Opportunities in the Context of Climate Change. This 24 page document is colourful and easy to read. It is designed to be read online as it contains many hyperlinks. If you don’t understand the links between climate change and women’s economic opportunity, this is the document for you!I
Click on the visual below to open the PDF – and please share with friends and colleagues to educate them on the issues as well.

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Dr. Patricia Tesoriero, a member of District 1 e-Club, discusses: what is climate change; human-made climate change causes; fracking impact; climate justice, gender inequality, and how climate change impacts women and girls.

… Read the rest

During the 16 Days of Advocacy 2023, each club was involved in creating more visibility for Zonta and our Causes.… Read the rest

Verna Frasca, District 1 Advocacy Chair – USA

The USA Caucus is a place for clubs and districts in the USA to align on key issues and provides a platform for coordinated advocacy actions within the USA. Below is a brief update on current activity.

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) 

All members are asked to act on SIGN-4-ERA Petition, calling on Congress to recognize the fact that the Equal Rights Amendment has already been ratified by the necessary 38 states. Please sign and forward the link to family, friends, coworkers, etc. For more information on the ERA, check out the ERA Toolkit.

Ending Child Marriage

In October 2023, Unchained at Last co-wrote a joint submission for the UN Human Rights Commitee’s periodic review of adherence by the US to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The submission addressed several failings by the US related to the welfare of women. The work continues in several states, including New Hampshire, where the Concord NH club is actively involved.

Climate Change

Still wondering what climate change has to do with women’s welfare? Read this CNN Report on How the Climate Crisis Fuels Gender Inequality, which highlights most of the issues Zonta addresses. You are also encouraged to check out a 17-minute video created by Carole Theobald, leader of the Zonta Says NOW Working Group. Did you know that YOU can attend the ongoing Intercontinental Think Tank meetings on climate-related issues? The next Think Tank is on Being Financially Prepared for Climate Emergencies 2/11/24 3 pm CST. Register here.

UN CSW The 2024 Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) will take place March 11-22 in New York City as well as virtually. The priority theme for CSW is accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective. Zonta Says NOW will present a program at CSW on March 15th @8am EST on a simple and practical approach to address gender equality and climate action.

Ending Violence Against Women (VAW)

Many initiatives continue, including issuing statements regarding the impact of the current violence in the Middle East on women and children; advocacy to get the Human Trafficking Act (S.3124) ensuring legal representation for survivors passed by the House of Representatives; and keeping issues around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in the limelight.

Women’s Health

Initiatives include expanding coverage under Medicare for women undergoing mastectomies and advocating for the eradication of period poverty.

Fast Action Fridays: Take action for women and girls with the Zonta USA Caucus.

Text ZONTA to 50457 to get our advocacy alerts via text message and be one of the first to find out when there is a new opportunity. Follow the instructions you receive to complete registration.… Read the rest