16 Days of Activism observed by Zonta Club of Dhaka III

'Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women' campaign is a great opportunity to make Zontians around the world commit to a common goal to end gender-based violence. Through activities during this activism campaign, Zonta Club of Dhaka III gets a chance to focus on and create motivation and inspiration through programmes where educationists and activists all raise their voices to fight for equality and fairness for women.

The world as we know is plagued with women being violated emotionally and physically starting from home to workplace. That's why the club has taken initiatives on advocacy, to say no to violence against women.

Photo: Zonta Club of Dhaka III

Among the activities was a rally and human chain at Gulshan Lake Park, distribution of free orange masks made by Dipshikha Traing Centre (DTC), a project of Zonta club of Dhaka III, amongst men in Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara area.

Zonta club of Dhaka III also organised an Advocacy Programme in collaboration with IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students Association) at Shishu Bikash Kendra (SBK), a long running Project of the Club. It aimed to educate adolescent girls and boys on reproductive health and menstrual hygiene. The advocacy session encompassed counseling on reproductive health to make the girls and boys aware of their own bodies, changes that occur during puberty such that clear knowledge forms in their minds.  

Two toilets for women were donated to Astha Foundation for placing them in the remote areas of Char Kolkondo and Char Binbiniya in Rangpur. These toilets were also branded with Club III banners on ending child marriage and stopping violence against women

 In Sirajganj, Zonta Club III T shirts, and masks were given to rickshaw pullers. Posters stating messages ending child marriage and violence against women around the town were plastered in public spaces like mosques, temples.

Photo: Zonta Club of Dhaka III

Around 100 saplings were planted in two schools in the Shahzadpur Area of Sirajganj. The school is for both boys and girls. It's a very conservative area therefore the female students have to struggle with their parents to stay in school. The saplings represent future for the girls studying in the school. The students have also been taught about the climate change combat effect of trees. Saplings of fruit bearing trees and mahogany were among the few which were distributed to the female students for planting in their homes. These saplings will bear fruit which they will enjoy eating and selling. This will entail a source of income for the girls.

 A female student of BRAC university was awarded Tk 65000 for payment of her semester fees as a step towards women empowerment. This has been continuing since 2020.