16 Days of Activism

Tuesday is the first day of 16 Days of Activism, according to a proclamation issued by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami on Thursday.

The Zonta Club of Kauai and The Zonta Club of Hanalei combine with community supporters to raise their voices for the United Nations global initiative aimed at ending violence against women. The active days of 16 Days of Activism is observed from Nov. 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence) through Dec. 10 (Human Rights Day).

“Here on Kauai, we believe in caring for one another,” said Lori Barrett of the Zonta Club of Kauai Advocacy Committee. “The 16 Days of Activism remind us that protecting the safety and dignity of every person in our island community is a responsibility we all share. Violence against women affects entire families, workplaces and neighborhoods. It will take all of us — working together — to end it.”

Diana Harvey, president of the Zonta Club of Hanalei, said the 16 Days of Activism is about raising awareness about gender-based violence.

“The Zonta Clubs of Hanalei and Kauai are both committed to ending gender-based violence here on Kauai and around the world,” Harvey said.

Violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread human rights violations, affecting one in three women globally, and taking place in homes, workplaces, schools and public spaces, the proclamation states.

“Men, especially, have a powerful role as allies,” Barrett said. “When men choose to listen, speak up, and model respect in their homes and circles, they help create a ripple of safety and compassion across our island. This is how real change takes root.”

Melody Lopez, chair of the Advocacy Committee, read a copy of “10 Things Men Can Do to Prevent Violence.” It is available at the Zonta display and website.

“On Kauai, we believe in the power of community,” Lopez said. “When we speak up and take action together, we can create a safer island for all. These 16 Days of Activism remind us that change begins with each of us.”

During the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Clubs have collaborated with the Kauai Society of Artists to maintain a display of big and little orange shoes with informative literature and a Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women pledge that visitors can sign.

“I am a warrior who stands against violence, guided by truth and strengthened by self worth,” said Eliza Kobayashi, the Zonta Advocacy Committee co-chair.

The color orange, chosen by the United Nations as a symbol of this campaign, represents solidarity and hope for a brighter future free from violence. Wearing orange serves as a means of demonstrating solidarity in eliminating all forms of violence.

For more information, visit. www.zontasaysno.com.
Source: The Garden Island