Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) is partnering with the Zonta Club of Gladstone to paint the town orange over the next 16 days (25 November – 10 December) and raise awareness on a critical issue: gender-based violence.
In Australia, 1 in 3 women experiences violence by a male partner, other known person or stranger from the age of 15. This is one of many alarming statistics echoed worldwide, hindering women from actively contributing to their communities and building better lives for themselves and their families.
Starting this week, Zonta International’s 16 Days of Activism campaign officially kicks-off to raise awareness of violence against women. As part of localised efforts, the Zonta Club of Gladstone is encouraging everyone in the community to act on ending gender-based violence while supporting local businesses in the process.
Zonta Club of Gladstone President, Amanda Smedley, said that by helping to increase awareness of gender-based violence, the community is creating better outcomes for our future.
“Zonta stands for women’s rights, including advocating for equality and ending gender-based violence,” said Amanda.
“That’s exactly what the ‘Zonta Says NO to violence against Women’ campaign aims to achieve. For the next 16 days, local coffee shops in Gladstone will be selling coffee cups with bright orange stickers boldly sharing this message.”
Participating stores include Fresh Fix, La Belle Bake, Cotton Mill (City Centre & Kirkwood), Flavours Marina and Boy Expresso.
“We’re encouraging anyone in the community to purchase a tea, coffee or hot chocolate at participating stores, take a selfie with their purchase and share it on social media,” Amanda shared.
QAL General Manager, Trent Scherer, is committed to supporting the growth of the campaign as well as the heart of Gladstone.
“QAL stands alongside the Zonta Club of Gladstone and the community in saying no to violence against women,” Trent shared.
“After seeing the birth of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, QAL was eager to help grow Zonta’s reach by donating funds to print 1,000 additional stickers this year.”
Anyone can jump in on the 16 Days of Activism in three easy steps:
- Step 1: Buy a cup of coffee or tea from a participating café.
- Step 2: Take a selfie and include that bright orange sticker!
- Step 3: Share your photo on your social media page with the hashtags, #raiseacup, #Zontasaysno and #16days.
“The more we discuss gender-based violence, the less it becomes socially acceptable and, the more we shine a spotlight on it, the more support we can provide to people that are victims of domestic violence,” Trent shared.
“By getting involved, our united stance will raise awareness for gender-based violence, while inspiring people to take action by calling out destructive behaviour,” said Amanda.
“At QAL, we’re also promoting the campaign to our employees and encouraging them to get involved, building on our involvement earlier in the year by sharing posters on support services for women affected by domestic violence,” Trent shared.
Anyone interested in learning more information about Zonta’s ‘16 Days of Activism’ can visit their website: zontasaysno.com
Listen to QAL General Manager Trent Scherer speak with 4CC Radio host Hammo about the campaign below:
Find out more about Zonta’s 16 Days of Activism on their social media page, or visit the Zonta District 22 website.
Pictured (L-R): QAL Projects Construction Specialist Paul Marsh, and Project Coordinators Megan Moore and Chris Boorman supporting 16 Days of Activism at Boy Espresso Bar.
