Month: November 2013

This morning many of us were thrilled to be present at the Supreme Court Breakfast for White Ribbon Day – as usual, clad with our bright orange Zonta Says NO shirts.

This kicks off the 16 days of activism to say NO to violence against women – see the Zonta says NO website for more information and ideas!

On November 9th hundreds of Zontians, including a great contingent of members and friends of Zonta Club of Brisbane Breakfast, attended Newstead Park to walk 6.5kms in support of the Zonta Says No Walk to End Violence Against Women and Girls.

It was quite hot, but a beautiful day and a wonderful setting. We had many people come up to members and curiously ask what it was all about – and truly this was what it should be about: Getting the word out there about the Campaign, and Zonta.

At the conclusion of the walk, we were honoured to hear from three wonderful speakers. Dr. Shannon Spriggs spoke on the importance of changing bystander behaviour, and finding ways to be empowered to change individual and social behaviours to put an end to the existence and acceptance of violence against women and girls. A member of the Queensland Police spoke about the definition and instances of Violence in Queensland and Australia. Finally, a survivor of domestic violence told us her story, and I think everyone was moved by her bravery and courage, as well as her conviction to help others in similar situations.

We would like to thank the District 22 organisers, and especially Amena Reza, District 22 Area 3 Director, for making the event such a successful and memorable experience for all those involved.

On Friday the 1st of November we were very fortunate to have Dr. Ans Van Erp speak to our group about the important concept of “Advocacy” within the organisation.

I think everyone in attendance walked away with a far better understanding of what Advocacy means – both in general, and in terms of what we as a club can do to Advocate for women and women’s rights, locally and globally.  I am certain many felt enabled and inspired to do more, thanks to Ans’ wonderful insights and inspiring words.

We were also once again thrilled to celebrate the award recently given to our Club by the United Nations Association of Australia Queensland Community Award. Please see below a picture of Judi Hutchison, who received the award on behalf of the Club, and our Club president Karyn Lees, with the Award.

What a fantastic breakfast meeting – we look forward to seeing you at the next one!

(P.S. Have you still not bought your tickets to the Estee Lauder event? Click here!)