The Zonta Club of Bundaberg is urging the community to come together as part of its 16 Days of Activism Campaign aimed at eliminating violence against women and girls.
From 25 November to 10 December, Zonta Clubs around the world unite to highlight the international campaign.
The dates reflect United Nations Day for the elimination of violence against women and United Nations Day for Human Rights.
“During the 16 days in between we have a number of activities happening,” Zontian and campaign coordinator Annette Baldry said.
“We encourage Bundaberg to look out for our ‘orange ladies' and the orange-lit trees at the Multiplex and remember to take a selfie!
“We will also be attending Park Run as well as having an information stand in the Bourbong Street pavilion plus much more.”
Annette said to raise awareness during the 16 Day Campaign, the community was encouraged to like and share news about the local activities across social media.
“It's about adding your voice,” she said.
Zonta Club of Bundaberg goes big with campaign
Following the success of the 2020 campaign launch, the group decided to go even bigger this year with many local businesses jumping on board to provide support.
“We have had so many businesses come on board to sponsor the entire campaign including a breakfast being held on Saturday, 20 November,” President of the Zonta Club of Bundaberg Le-Anne Allan said.
“This year we are doing something a little different and raising funds for both the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation as well as local educational and domestic violence programs.
“We chose Small Steps 4 Hannah because their vision aligns with Zonta's vision.
“They are about educating, advocating and supporting people around domestic and family violence.”
Laura Bos, director of Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation, will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming Zonta breakfast on Saturday, 20 November.
The Zonta Club of Bundaberg's 16 Days of Activisim breakfast is being held at Rowers on the River with limited tickets available.
Book your seat here.
Congratulations to the Zonta Club for its work in combating DFV.
I need however to highlight a link that is totally ignored in the discussion about DFV.
The literature clearly shows that the violence children suffer at home as a result of physical punishment is a factor that should be considered in any response to DFV.Â
This link should not be ignored, as it has been in the past simply because the physical punishment of children is permitted under Section 280 of the Qld Criminal Code or because it is an inconvenient truth that is uncomfortable to raise.
 Yes, violence towards children is permitted ( within limits) but it is a legal sanction not a moral, ethical one or even a sensible one.
I would also ask Zonta to have a word with Grace Grace, Minister for Education, who refuses to make school corporal punishment illegal in all Qld schools as it is elsewhere across the country.
Education is critical and Respectful Relationships Education in schools and as a means of educating children about gender based violence, is important. I’m sure the good people of Zonta will appreciate that this topic does not sit well with the fact that a teacher is still to this day, legally permitted to hit and hurt a child.
Until, we attach importance to eradicating all forms of violence we are just part of the problem and much of the good work being done by Zonta and others will be undermined.