Did you know the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence originated from a petition circulated during the 1991 United Nations World Conference on Human Rights? This petition called on the conference committee to address women’s human rights and recognise gender-based violence as a human rights issue.
Three decades on, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a widely recognised global campaign that encourages action to prevent and end violence against women and girls.
The 16 Days of Activism begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and ends on International Human Rights Day (December 10). The dates for the campaign were chosen to link violence against women and human rights.
During this time, organisations and individuals from around the world raise awareness that women’s rights are human rights, and that violence against women is a fundamental violation of those human rights.
This year, the Zonta Club of Kyneton continues working with several other community organisations, through Macedon Ranges, to raise awareness of gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and encourage community-based support for those living with violence.
During the 16 Days campaign, the club has static displays at the Kyneton Community Window (Mollison Street) and Macedon Ranges Libraries. The Kyneton Town Hall will be illuminated orange each night for 16 Days (the colour for 16 Days).
The club will join others in the shire for the MRSC Walk Against Family Violence at 11am on Thursday November 30 in Woodend.
Community members are invited to join Zonta at a special pop-up event to close the campaign at the Social Foundry Café in Kyneton on December 9 at 10am. Go along and learn more about Zonta and 16 days of Days of Activism against Gender- Based Violence, while sharing a cuppa and cake with the passionate club members.
If you would like to know more about the Zonta Club of Kyneton and the service and advocacy work it does locally for women and girls, contact the club via secretary@zontakyneton.org.au or through its socials.
