PROJECTS
Zonta Central Coast Advocacy Projects
Clear principles are applied when deciding upon Zonta projects. We aim to be the voice for those who cannot speak.
Zonta Central Coast has a strong working relationship with local Members of Parliament and Central Coast decision makers.
The causes we support are:
Advocating for gender equality
Zonta Central Coast stays up-to-date with legislation relating to gender equality. We contact local members of parliament to confirm their awareness and responsibility at a local level.
Ending gender-based violence
Zonta Central Coast is a member of the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee. They aim to prevent, reduce, and eliminate domestic and family violence on the Central Coastal region through education, awareness, advocacy, and community engagement. Central Coast Zonta regularly organises “Walk In My Shoes” displays at the major shopping centres on the Central Coast. These aim to invite passer byes to imagine walking in the shoes of a Domestic Violence victims. It aims to create awareness and open up discussion at a local level.
Ending child marriage
Zonta Central Coast supports Zonta International’s actions to end child marriage. Zonta Central Coast increases awareness via our meetings and social media platforms. The club contributes a portion of funds raised to the Zonta International Foundation to support the International Service Projects.
Expanding access to education
Zonta Central Coast offers several study grants for young women with personal obstacles and assists them in completing their HSC. They also offer Study Grants to young women at the Aboriginal Dance College NAISDA, to support them in learning an accredited training program that is rich in their cultural learning and practice.
Promotion of status, education, health, justice, equity, and welfare of women and girls
All of our projects must directly benefit women and girls and demonstrate accountability for funds invested. Tt this.
Zonta SAYS NO TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Our advocacy work relating to the human rights of women and girls includes involvement in International Women’s Day activities, the 16 Days of Activism Against Domestic Violence on the Central Coast and most recently advocating against homelessness for older women.
We participate in and lead campaigns to raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence and abuse. On average in Australia, one woman dies each week due to domestic violence.
In 2021 for the 16 Days of Activism against Domestic Violence, Zonta Club of Central Coast co-ordinated an art installation on 18 trees at Terrigal Beach to promote action against domestic violence. Many local organisations participated in this project which created widespread interest.
2021 Yarn Bomb art installation at Terrigal Beach to promote action against domestic violence
Assisting Homeless Women
On the Central Coast, homelessness has grown 35% over the past 5 years*. Older women are 9 times more at risk of homelessness than the general population.**
Zonta Club of Central Coast is working in partnership with government, local services and agencies to provide practical assistance to homeless women in our region.
Allawah House at East Gosford is an example of collaboration between agencies and volunteer organisations. Our club provided brand new towels and homewares for the older female residents as well as assisting with the set up of the rooms and living spaces.
*Source: Central Coast Affordable Housing Strategy 2020 ** University of Adelaide Report, 2020
Walk in My Shoes Displays
The “Walk in My Shoes” display is part of the “Zonta Says No to Violence” campaign to raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence. It is held in Shopping Centres, Schools, Clubs, Churches etc.
It is a compelling display of shoes, each with a quote from a woman who has escaped domestic violence.
The display is intended to provide the public with insights and education as they read the cross section of quotes and stories, inspire those currently in the situation of domestic violence who believe they can't leave and to celebrate the courage of the women who have succeeded in leaving domestic violence behind them.
