Madison Reporter

On Nov. 22, Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced the city’s first collaboration with Zonta. Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 will be municipally known as 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence. 

Rhodes-Conway tweeted, “Madison Proclaims Nov. 25-Dec. 10, 2021 as “16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence” – to educate the community on the harm caused by these crimes and advocate for survivors to receive the support and services they require and deserve.”

The proclamation continues, “The Zonta Club of Madison joins with Zonta clubs around the world taking part in the 'Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women' campaign to influence the passage of laws and changing gender-based attitudes and behaviors to end violence against women and girls.”

In the city’s official post, they include a number of domestic violence statistics. Domestic violence has affected over 23% of Wisconsin men and 32% of Wisconsin women. Nationally, one in three women and one in four men has been a victim of domestic violence.  

According to UNICEF, about one in 10 girls under 20 have experienced forced sexual acts. More than 50% of domestic homicides in Wisconsin are committed with firearms. The issue of domestic violence has many facets and bleeds into many other policies. Fortunately, Wisconsin lawmakers have suggestions. These changes include firearm restrictions for domestic abusers and changes to law enforcement entry policy. 

The first Zonta club was founded in 1919 in New York. The organization originally existed to help American women get jobs, and since its first international chapter opened in Toronto in 1927, the organization has since expanded exponentially to fight globally for women’s rights. They target predatory institutions like child marriage and the gender education gap. Their mission statement is to create a world in which no woman lives in fear of violence.