Kauai’s Zonta clubs join global ‘No!’

LIHUE — Members of the Zonta Club of Kauai and the Zonta Club of Hanalei collectively said “No” Monday at the Kukui Grove Center.

Darrellyn Lemke, president of the Zonta Club of Kauai, said they actually got a head-start on the Zonta Says No campaign when they hosted a table at the YWCA of Kauai Pink Sunday women’s expo on Sunday.

“Monday, Zonta Clubs from more than 30 countries around the world will start 16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence,” Lemke said. “On Kauai, we’re joining the other Zonta clubs in spreading awareness.”

During the day-long appearance at the mall adjacent to Pictures Plus and the Regis hair salon, the Kauai Zonta members were thrilled to be visited by Terry and Laura Peters.

Laura is the past Zonta District 9 Governor and a present Zonta International Director.

During the gathering, shoes representing women who were killed as a result of domestic violence were stacked at the base of the table, which housed a collection jar as well as tickets for the upcoming Eat Dessert First fundraiser.

Edie Ignacio-Neumiller, past president of the Zonta Club of Kauai, said the Zonta Club of Kauai will continue its message from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Kukui Grove Center.

“We’re just doing what we can,” said Katie Beer of the Zonta Club of Kauai.

Lynn McKenzie, president of Zonta International, said violence against women and girls is still pervasive in all kinds of countries and societies.

The first Zonta International Strategies to end Violence Against Women was administered in 1996. By 2000, Zonta International, through its ZISVAW program, has provided more than $3.5 million to support anti-violence projects in 32 countries.