The Laker News logo as created by Liane Rogers. (Healey photo)

HALIFAX: The screens at Rogers Square in Halifax will be highlighting Zonta’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence from November 25 until December 1 in support of the Zonta Club of Halifax’s contribution to the UN’s “Orange the World” campaign.

“We have organized a number of buildings to be lit in orange including Government House, Province House, and Halifax City Hall on November 25,” Beatrice Schori, the District One Governor of Zonta International, said. “We have also received support from the Cape Breton Regional Municipality in Sydney, the provincial government in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador and Fredericton, N.B., and the iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. 

“The lighthouse will be lit on November 27, weather permitting.”

This is part of a coast-to-coast initiative by Canada’s Zonta E Club-1. Local clubs are participating to create awareness of the serious issue of violence against women and girls. 

Since it originally began, this initiative has spread around the world.  Beginning in 2012, Zonta clubs in more than 60 countries have participated in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women advocacy campaign to raise awareness of the global pandemic of women’s rights violations and this has united Zonta clubs worldwide in conducting impactful advocacy actions to fight violence against women and gender inequality.

There are two Zonta Clubs in Nova Scotia, in Halifax and Amherst. The Halifax Club is marking its 70th anniversary in December. The original president was Dr. Helen Creighton and since its founding the club has developed and contributed to scholarships for young women and women pursuing post-secondary education as well as supporting many community organizations through service, financial assistance, and advocacy.