16 days of anti-violence activism

THE Zonta Club of Ballarat will participate in Sixteen Days of Activism later this month, standing against violence towards women.

Their campaigning will begin with a twilight walk on Thursday, 25 November, The United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Club president Caroline Nolan said presentations will launch the 16 Days at 5.30pm, before the walk from Lake Wendouree’s View Point to the Ballarat Botanical Garden’s sensory space kicks off at 6pm.

“One of our core objectives in Zonta is that we campaign and work against violence against women,” she said.

“The 16 Days of Activism is something every club is doing to highlight and focus on violence against women.

“But it’s bigger than Zonta. We’re duty-bound to publicise what’s happening, to campaign, and work against violence against women as part of our mission.”

On the International Day, buildings around the world will be brightened by orange lights in support of the cause, including the Ballarat Town Hall.

The City’s fountains at Lake Penhallurick and Lake Wendouree will also be illuminated with orange lights. Participants in the walk are encouraged to wear orange too.

During each of the 16 Days of Activism, local Zonta Club members will share relevant anti-violence information on their Facebook page, also spreading the word about broader Zonta initiatives across the globe.

“That will incorporate other projects we’re involved with, like the campaign against child marriage and keeping girls in school, which relate to the overall bigger picture of violence against women,” Ms Nolan said.