The Zonta Club of New Providence (ZCNP) has launched its local “Orange the World” UNITE,campaign for the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls. Monday, November 25, 2024 represents the start of the campaign, which is the United Nations led International Day to End Violence Women and Girls. ZCNP, which is now in its 14th year of advocacy for this crucial issue, has engaged in intensive community activism, education and
empowerment exercises, designed to help to decrease gender based violence in The Bahamas.
Introduced by UN Women, UNITE calls on governments, civil society, women’s organizations, young people, the private sector, media, and the UN system to join forces to address the global pandemic of violence against women and girls.
ZCNP is working with Government Departments and Agencies decorated and lit up in orange, the official color of the UNITE campaign, symbolizing a brighter future free of violence. Zontians will host “Lunch and Learn: Supporting Victims in Times of Crisis”. This event will provide practical strategies and sensitive training for the Public Hospital Authority (PHA) staff on supporting victims of gender-based violence with empathy, professionalism, and
resourcefulness. Zontians and other experts in the country will lead this session scheduled for December 10th International Human Rights Day.
Healthcare professionals are on the frontline, seeing the tragic and sombering effects of gender based violence first hand. For this reason, ZCNP will also host a panel discussion and interactive case study workshop and orange pinning ceremony, in partnership with the PHA, to recognize and empower frontline workers. Each year, ZCNP hosts a special advocacy event in the heart of highly-populated communities. This year, on Saturday, November 30,10am to 4pm ZCNP will host its community event in Fort Charlotte at Christie Park. There, community activists will be recognized; there will be talks on gender based violence and testimonies of victims of gender based violence; vendors providing vital community services; entertainment and a Junkanoo rushout to conclude the day’s activities.
With Fort Charlotte as this year’s focus, residents in the area can expect to see orange bows tied to lamp poles in their area, as well as educational posters and yard signs, as well as a “Walk in My Shoes” display.
ZCNP will pay a courtesy call on Governor General Her Excellency Cynthia A. Pratt and Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, Office of the Spouse. Corporate Bahamas and the general public are encouraged to decorate their offices and wear orange each Friday, sending a clear message that the country is saying no to violence in all its forms.
There will be a Tik Tok, essay and poetry competition within the schools of Ft. Charlotte and prizes such as phones, computers and laptops will be given to the top winners. The focal topic is “Why I chose to be Violence Free” and “Saying No to Violence”.
On Tuesday, December 3, ZCNP will host a webinar on the signs to recognize unhealthy relationships; tips on healthy relationships; conflict resolution skills; suicide; sexual assault; and when and where to get help. This will be a national webinar and Family Island residents are invited to participate, especially the GBV Family Island Councils. Follow Zonta Club of New Providence throughout the 16 Days Campaign on its social pages and the media.
Source: Felicity Darville
