Holiday Tree Lighting: I Stand With Zonta Club of Syracuse

161 Genesee Street,Syracuse NY 13202

25 November, 2022

Description

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day will mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, a global campaign that raises awareness regarding an ongoing human rights issue. Today, many women worldwide are still subject to rape and other types of violence, including the women right here in our own communities. The Women’s Opportunity Center and the Zonta Club of Syracuse are joining together this year to advocate for the end of abuse, and we are asking for you to stand with us. For more than 40 years, the Women's Opportunity Center has supported women as they overcome obstacles, change direction, survive the challenges of widowhood, divorce, and domestic violence, start new careers, and create new futures. As we head into the holiday season, we are grateful for the decades of community support that have allowed us to continue our mission and change the lives of thousands of individuals. For more than 100 years, the Zonta Club of Syracuse has worked to change the lives of women and girls through advocacy, stewardship, and empowerment. For more than a century, this group of volunteers has advocated for women’s rights, safety and advancement by advocating to end domestic violence, human trafficking, and child marriage. This group provides thousands of dollars in scholarships annually to aid women as they strive to improve their condition through education and community giving. Through the years, local and national government officials and international leaders have led the charge to eliminate violence against women and girls. Unfortunately, it is still all too common. Violence against women continues to be a widespread and persistent human rights violation. The 16 Days of Activism campaign runs from November 25 through December 10 each year, and we ask that you join the Zonta Club of Syracuse and the Women’s Opportunity Center as they work to raise awareness and end gender-based violence. The holiday season is among the most dangerous for individuals living in abusive relationships, and we use this campaign to remember those individuals battling survival this season. The statistics: • Intimate Partner Violence makes up 15% of all violent crimes. • More than 1 in 3 women, and more than 1 in 4 men, have been victims of physical violence, rape, or stalking in their lifetime. • Victims most commonly experience abuse from those who are closest to them. • Each day, there are over 20,000 calls to domestic violence helplines in the US. • On average, there are 20 people physically abused by an intimate partner per minute. This equates to 1,200 people per hour. Many women and girls who experience violent acts against them do not seek help. Along with creating awareness, this day seeks to remove the silence, stigma, and shame surrounding these acts of violence against women. HOW TO OBSERVE #OrangeTheWorld Each year on this day, communities around the world hold marches to spread awareness and show support for women. Some of the cities organizing these marches include Bogota, Paris, San Jose, and Lima. With over 150,000 participants, Rome has one of the largest marches. In Central New York, the Zonta Club of Syracuse will attend the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting event on November 25. We will wear Orange to show that we stand with the victims of Domestic Violence, advocate for a world without gender-based violence, and work for a better world for Women and Girls. We ask that all of you join us. Women’s Opportunity Center will “Stand with the Zonta Club of Syracuse” against Domestic Abuse. Please wear your orange and meet us on November 25 in front of the Post Building across from Clinton Square at 6 PM for a group photo. These photos will be shared with the United Nations and Zonta International, as well as on various social media sites. Will you join us and stand with the Zonta Club of Syracuse? Join us for the Tree Lighting. Donate to the Syracuse Zonta Foundation to advance the education and opportunities of Women and Girls. http://zontadistrict2.org/syracuse/donate.html