LIHUE — Zonta Club of Kauai President Regina Carvalho said Monday that every voice counts, and every effort makes a difference.
Carvalho was speaking during a gathering of Zonta Club of Kauai members, at which Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami launched the 16 Days of Advocacy Against Violence Toward Women. The 16-day period started Monday and continues through Dec. 10 when the Zonta Club of Kauai joins other Zonta clubs around the world to take part in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.
“We believe that change starts at the community level,” Carvalho said. “By coming together during the 16 Days of Activism, we not only raise awareness about the devastating impact of gender-based violence, but also show solidarity in our commitment to creating a safer, brighter future for women and girls on Kauai. Every light, every voice and every action make a difference.”
During the 16 days, the historic County Building will be illuminated with orange lights to demonstrate solidarity with other campaigns that oppose violence against women. Melody Lopez, the co-chair of the campaign, invites individuals and businesses in the community to turn on orange lights as a demonstration of support opposing violence against women.
Lopez said orange lights are available by visiting the club’s website at www.zonta-kauai.org, or www.ZontaSaysNo.com. The color orange was chosen because it is bright and optimistic and represents a future free from violence.
On Dec. 6, the Zonta Club of Kauai invites people to join members in a sign-waving campaign starting at 4:30 p.m. at the corner across from Lihue Airport on Ahukini Road.
“Each day of the 16 Days of Activism: Zonta Says NO campaign carries a powerful message,” said Lori Barrett, chair of the Advocacy Committee for Zonta Club of Kauai. “From promoting activism to sharing valuable resources, our goal is to raise awareness and provide support to individuals and families in need. Together, we can help create a community where everyone feels safe and supported.”
The international campaign calls on people to take local, national and international actions to influence the making and implementation of laws as well as changing gender-based attitudes and behaviors to end violence against women and girls.
A release from Zonta says that violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive human rights violations, and a global threat. It knows no national or cultural barriers; it takes place at home, in the workplace and in open spaces; and affects millions of women and girls in both times of peace and conflict.
Violence against women and girls includes psychological, physical and sexual violence, and harmful practices such as rape, child marriage and human trafficking. Violence against women and girls threatens countries, inhibits economic progress, and prevents women from contributing to their community and creating better lives for themselves and their families.
