Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) will paint the region orange in support of Zonta’s campaign to end violence against women and girls. An annual campaign, Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women coincides with 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global advocacy campaign spearheaded by UN Women.

SDRC has partnered with Zonta to advocate the cause, and over the next two weeks will light up Warwick Town Hall clock in orange, the campaign’s official colour, in a show of support. The community may also notice more residents than usual in the Southern Downs, with Zonta’s orange ladies roaming around the region.

Southern Downs Deputy Mayor and Zonta Club Warwick member Jo McNally said the orange ladies help bring attention to the cause and start a conversation. “This is an important initiative, and Zonta’s orange ladies are a wonderful conversation starter about an issue that impacts women globally and here on the Southern Downs,” Cr McNally said. “If you spot the orange ladies as they move around the region over the next two weeks, stop and take notice and think about ways you can help raise awareness on gender-based violence.”

Zonta Clubs across the region are hosting events in the coming weeks to support the cause. Zonta Club Warwick alongside Warwick Safe Haven will host a breakfast on Saturday 8 December to help support victims of domestic violence. Stanthorpe will say NO to violence on Saturday 1 December with a park run at Gleeson Park. After the park run, Zonta members will be at Stanthorpe Piazza from 9am to put together Pamper Packs with basic necessities for women who find themselves in emergency situations.

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