PROJECTS
Zonta Central Coast Advocacy Projects
Advocating for change to create a Better World for Women and Girls is central to our mission. Zonta Central Coast has a strong working relationship with local Members of Parliament and Central Coast decision makers to raise concerns about key issues affecting women and girls. Our club is also a member of the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee and Action on Housing for Older Women.
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
The Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee aims 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 passers-by to imagine walking in the shoes of people who have experienced domestic violence.
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.
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.
Since 2021 for the 16 Days of Activism against Domestic Violence, Zonta Club of Central Coast has co-ordinated a yarn art installation at Terrigal, Gosford, Wyong, Toukley, the Entrance, Way Way and Ettalong to promote action against domestic violence. Many local organisations participated in this project which attracts 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 identify ways in which we can provide practical assistance to homeless women in our region.
*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.
