The color orange will adopt new meaning as the Zonta Club of New Providence (ZCNP) moves to "Paint the Town Orange" in its new campaign to end violence against women and girls.
At 10 a.m. on today, ZCNP in association with Zonta International and the United Nations and its agencies will kickoff its "Say No To Violence Campaign" in the country's celebrated Rawson Square during a small ceremony - where Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin will give remarks - to honor and support victims of domestic violence.
"Just as the color pink is used to raise awareness of breast cancer, so Zonta is turning to another color, orange, to highlight the challenges facing victims of domestic abuse," said Marisa Mason-Smith, president of the Zonta Club of New Providence. "We want to raise awareness to eliminate and prevent of all forms of violence against women and girls."
With an estimated 1200 women and girls falling victim to domestic violence each year in The Bahamas, the ZCNP will take action today. Participants - adorned in orange - will take a bold stance for the cause by displaying pictures of victims of domestic violence on easels in the historic space.
A wall of support will also be available for words of support and encouragement to be sent to survivors of abuse in this country and around the world. Zonta will also pay tribute to victims who have died as a result of domestic violence with empty shoes to "fill the space" in remembrance of these women and girls.
This tribute will commence ZCNP's "16 Days of Activism against Domestic Violence", as the organization looks to reach out to the community and get more of the public involved in the cause to stop abuse.
"During the sixteen days," said Mason-Smith, "Zontians will also reach out to church groups and youth groups with which they have a relationship and give 'healthy relationship' talks to help change the mindset of the next generation."
More information about the campaign and its events will be forthcoming in the media during the next two weeks. The public is asked to keep a look out for announcements on ZCNP's "Say No To Violence Campaign".
Zonta Club is the nation's leading organization dedicated to improving the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local level through service and advocacy.

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