The Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka has chalked out plans to celebrate 16 Days of Activism campaign from November 25 to December 10 with a goal to globally develop advocacy actions with a focus on preventing child marriage and gender based violence against woman.

During the 16 Days of Activism, the intention is to take local, national and international actions to influence the making and implementation of laws, as well as changing gender-based attitudes and behaviors to end violence against women, the club said in a press release.

Tehmina Enayet, President Elect, an entrepreneur and connoisseur of art, is a strong proponent of women’s empowerment and wholeheartedly believes in the cause of Zonta, ‘Stop Child Marriage’ and ‘Say No to Violence Against Women and Girl Child.’

Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka’s President Dr Simeen M Akhtar, and the Advocacy Chairperson Tootli Rahman and the club members have organised seven events to commemorate this occasion. These programs are focused to increase the awareness in society and for the community to take a stand ensuring all health precautions.

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Dr Simeen M Akhtar, President of Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka, believes that all Zontians working towards the Goal and Mission of Zonta International has been continuing to make a difference through its commitment of service through advocacy.

The 16 Days of Activism started off by a student rally on Sunday.

On Monday, the club will issue a press release regarding the campaign.

A radio program will be broadcast on Tuesday.

A rally has been arranged in Kurigram, with the club’s partner Ashar Alo Patshala, the students who have been stopped from child marriage will be participating in the rally.

On Friday, Zonta Club’s Flag Ship partner Sporsho’s Visually challenged students will be having a reading session, advocating for girls through the Braille Book sponsored by Zonta Club og Greater Dhaka, “Good Touch –Bad Touch.”

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A rally in Baridhara with Rickshaw Pullers wearing Orange T- Shirts will be held on December 7.

Lastly, LIVE Painting Session by two eminent artists of Greater Dhaka in Gulshan Park will be held on December 9.

Tehmina Enayet said that pursuing the cause of women and girls through Zonta will give more credibility and force and help achieve the 100 year goal of Zonta through education and advocacy.

Despite the COVID pandemic affecting the people globally, Zontians all over the world continue their work and make special efforts during the 16 Days of Activism to be more focused to end discrimination against women, to stop violence against women and stop child marriage, the release added.