ZONTA CLUB OF MINERAL WELLS TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
Thirty-five percent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. 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, the Zonta Club of Mineral Wells is doing their part.
The club, along with members of the local community, will host a free self-defense class on Monday, December 6 at 6:00 pm. Fifth-degree blackbelt Michael Lovell will be leading the group at First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in McMaster Hall.
After the class, there will be a candlelight vigil in the parking lot of the church. A representative with the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Department will give a brief presentation on domestic violence and its victims in Palo Pinto County. The event will finish with a prayer and moment of silence.
Zonta clubs across the world have organized activities and events as part of the 2021 ‘Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women’ campaign, which focuses on the service and advocacy actions to prevent and end violence against women and girls in their communities.
“As the world faces the COVID-19 pandemic, instances of gender-based violence are on the rise. Now, more than ever, it is essential that we work together to end violence against women and girls,” said Zonta International President Sharon Langenbeck.
“Through the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, Zonta clubs around the world are uniting to raise their voices to bring awareness to this issue and advocate on behalf of gender-based violence survivor,” she said.
Since the program’s inception in 1999, more than $9.5 million has been provided to support projects to prevent and end violence against women and girls in 46 countries.
For more information about the Zonta Club of Mineral Wells, visit their Facebook page.
Special Contribution to MWAN
