The Centerville community has come alive during the Orange the World Campaign thanks to Zonta and its efforts to spread love, and a message to end gender-based violence, to the community. The Centerville Park was the nucleus of a community building event with a great outcome; and Stephen Dillet Primary School became the place of a conclave, just for boys and men. It’s all a part of the United Nations backed 16 Days of Activism, which begins on the International Day to End Gender Based Violence – November 25. It ends on December 10, which is International Human Rights Day.
Zonta Club of New Providence has led the way in activism during these special days for nearly a decade. Zontians started with awareness campaigns, but the tremendous public response led to activism on the national level. Their activism helped to spur legislative and institutional changes for the advancement of women and girls. However, the community events they host during the Orange the World Campaign are close to their heart.
At Centerville park, Zonta gave out hundreds of plates of food and took the time to meet and greet residents. Member of Parliament Jomo Campbell joined hands with Zonta and has been working closely with members since the campaign began. He tied the first orange bow in Centerville to bring awareness to gender based violence. President of the Zonta Club of New Providence (ZCNP) Yvette Ingraham gave the crowd a motivational address, followed by Sonia Brown for Zonta Club of Nassau.
The Walk in My Shoes 2022 campaign was also launched. This was an opportunity for working women to bring gently used shoes, dresses and business attire to share with those in need. Centerville residents also benefited from health checks including blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, weight, and HIV testing.
Dr. Linda Davis partnered with Zonta, bringing the Smart Start program to the park. She and colleagues signed up Centerville residents for free technical training. The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), Urban Renewal Commission, Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM), Civil Society Bahamas, the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU) and the Royal Bahamas Police Force were also among active partners.
Entertainment came from a young Christian Rap Group called Chosen Soldiers; Heartfelt Reggae Gospel ballads from Apostle Leroy Butler; and melodies from Abigail Ingraham. Natasha D graced attendees with a dance recital. ZNS held a live remote at the park with radio show host, Kashigan Adderley.
Zonta also held a special event called Boys to Men, for boys and men in the Centerville Community to have some special bonding time and benefit from dynamic speakers.
The public is invited to a special Mental Health webinar, which will round up the 16 Days of Activism Campaign on December 10. The presenter will be Dr. Sean Knowles. The Zoom ID is 822 8985 2997, password 618835. For more information, visit Zonta Club of New Providence on Facebook, or email zontaclubofnewprovidence@gmail.com to register early for the event.
From: Felicity Darville
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