The Zonta Club of Brisbane Sunrise is encouraging the northside community to help end violence against women and girls during this year’s 16 Days of Activism.
The annual Zonta Says NO campaign begins on 25 November, the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Nicky Brazzale, President of Zonta Club of Brisbane Sunrise (Zonta Sunrise), said focused conversations within community groups, within families and with individuals were critical as proactive and supportive measures.
“Domestic and family violence is everyone’s issue,” she said. “We all have a role to play in challenging the attitudes, behaviours and cultures that allow violence to continue.”
The campaign slogan is ‘End Violence – Be part of the solution’.
Community Awareness Walks, Library Displays, and Local Advocacy
Zonta Sunrise will join the Zonta Says No to Violence walk on Thursday, 26 November, beginning at 6pm in King George Square. Brisbane’s bridges and buildings will be lit up orange in support of the cause.
Nicky said participants were encouraged to wear orange so “the strong slogan and messages will be heard and hence made visible as we walk in a sea of orange”. She added that this year, the focus would be on encouraging greater numbers of men to join the walk.
“Through this purposeful experience, we stand together in appropriate and visible action,” she said.
Nicky said Zonta Sunrise was also advocating in the local area, with several initiatives planned.
“Chermside Library will have display boxes with a visual impact (between 17-30 November) – little orange ladies and children’s shoes showing respect for the victims of domestic violence, and local emergency contact numbers for self-referral and support services,” she said. “Stafford Men’s Shed is supporting this display.”
A “little orange bench” will also be opened at Packer Park on 25 November in collaboration with Marchant Ward Councillor Danita Parry, while Stafford City will host a display with a large orange lady, encouraging people to “Add Your Voice”.
“We all need to understand that this continuing issue touches all of us across our family and friend circles, our community circles, or on our social media,” Nicky said.
“This is a call for action – to step up and check in, to speak up and have those focused conversations and to respectfully encourage others to access support or services where needed.”
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