Media Releases

Zonta Says No To Violence Against Women Day proclaimed

The Town of Amherst is joining the local Zonta Club in saying no to violence against women.

As part of that effort, Mayor David Kogon has signed a proclamation on behalf of the Amherst town council, declaring Nov. 25, 2022, as Zonta Says No To Violence Against Women Day.

The proclamation notes violence against women and girls continues to be a pervasive human rights violation and global epidemic and is due to systemic use of physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, psychological and economic control and/or abuse.

It also notes violence against women does not know any national or cultural barriers, affects millions of women and girls of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds and violates individuals’ privacy, dignity, security and humanity.

In addition, the proclamation notes that Zonta International, which the local club belongs to, has been contributing towards a global effort to achieve a world free of violence against women and girls for more than 100 years.

“We must all strive to stop violence against women if our diverse community is to truly be inclusive and equitable,” the mayor said. “I encourage all residents of Amherst to prevent gender-based violence by becoming educated about its harms, to advocate for survivors and to act in service on their behalf.”

In addition to issuing the proclamation, the town will be raising the Zonta flag during a ceremony at the Church Street flagpoles in front of the YMCA on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. It will also turn the lights in Victoria Square orange.

The flag raising and light-up will help kick off the 16 Days of Activism, which runs from Nov. 25, 2022, which is also International Day Against Violence Against Women, to Dec. 10, 2022, which is International Human Rights Day.

During the 16 Days of Activism, Autumn House and the Interagency Committee will hold an event to recognize and commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women at the Amherst Lions Club on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 20022. The event, which offers a free light lunch will begin at noon. The guest speaker is activist Kiara Bubar. Everyone is invited.