The raising of a flag at the Harry Lumley Bayshore this morning marked 16 days of activism against violence against women.

Here are the remarks by the President of the Zonta Club of Owen Sound, Cindy Weir:

The Zonta Club of Owen Sound is taking a stand against Gender-based violence and we say NO to Violence Against Women

Thirty-five percent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence – an international campaign that aims to inspire action and end violence against women and girls around the world, we the Zonta Club of Owen Sound along with community partners and you the public will raise our Zonta Flag today. The flag will fly for the next two weeks to bring awareness to this cause. Zonta International’s goal, and ultimately ours with our flag, is to sensitize the public to violence against women as a human rights violation and to raise awareness of Zonta’s advocacy efforts to prevent violence against women and girls.
Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women began in November 2012. Last year Zonta Clubs addressed trafficking in human beings as one of the most widespread human right’s violations.

The 2018 Campaign will focus on child marriage, one of the worst obstacles girls are facing globally and a severe human right’s violation. Our clubs around the world are being called on to create awareness of this harmful practice. The goal is to achieve local and national government and community commitment to fight child, early and forced marriage. This will affect more than 12 million girls worldwide according to Girls Not Brides.
Like the Zonta Says NO campaign, the 16 Days of Activism started yesterday November 25 on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on Human Right’s Day on December 10. Other significant dates and events include: World Aid’s Day December 1 and the Ecole Polytechnique massacre that happened on December 6 1989. On that horrific day these 14 women died – simply for being women.

Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte ,Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz

Today we also recognize the thousands of murdered and missing indigenous women and girls with our red dress on display today. Metis Jamie Black began the REDDress Project in 2000. Red was chosen as it is the only colour spirits could see, so red is really a calling back of the spirits of these women and allowing them the chance to be among us and have their voices heard through their family members and community.
If we could have a moment's silence for the missing and murdered aboriginal women and the 14 women from the Montreal Massacre.

Zonta is a global organization of women and men who work together to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy. With more than 29,0000 members belonging to nearly 1,200 clubs in 63 countries all over the world volunteer their time, talent and support to local and international service projects and educational programs.

Locally this club has raised and donated almost $60,000 to our local Owen Sound Regional Hospital. On November 21 we presented cheque to them for $2000 towards the cost of a Breast Coil for the new MRI. For Many years we have provided clothing the Comfort Closet at the hospital and last year added hygiene bags to our contribution. You don’t think a bout a person going to the hospital after being assaulted and they don’t have a toothbrush, shampoo or comb to clean up before they leave. We have also provided these bags as well as an annual cash donation to the Women’s Centre Grey and Bruce. For years we also provided the Centre with pajamas and items and Gift cards that children in the centre could give to their moms at Christmas. We help ‘Closing the Gap” and receive requests for funds to help women with dental and medical expenses. Just recently we have been asked to help someone with the costs of a much-needed wheelchair. We also provide scholarships to local school girls who are following a path in science and math.

We have been quietly working here in Owen Sound and Area for over 30 years and Internationally for 99.
For more information please go to Zonta.org or Zontaowensound.ca or like us on Facebook.