You may have seen 'orange ladies' in key locations in and around Lismore and the Northern Rivers including libraries, sports centres and even the local hairdresser.

They are all part of the 16 Days of Activism to eliminate violence against women and girls which began on November 25 and finishes on December 10.

The Zonta Club of Northern Rivers had 20 Orange Ladies made with the help of the Ballina Men’s Shed and they will be popping up in Lismore, Ballina, Alstonville and Casino.

“It is an awareness-raising campaign for our region” says President of the Zonta Club of Northern Rivers, Lyndall Smith.

‘Violence against women is the most pervasive human rights violation around the world. There is more proof than ever that violence against women and girls is preventable. The bright Orange Lady is the global symbol for Zonta’s anti-violence message and a hope for a better future for women and girls.’

(The dressed orange lady in the Caroon Op Shop in Magellan Street. Photo: supplied)

The campaign started on 25 November with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world. 

‘You may also see our large ZONTA SAYS NO banner on display in Ballina until the 10th December.’ explains Lyndall. Each year, Human Rights Day is observed on the 10th of December—the same day the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

Zonta Clubs around the world unite for 16 Days of Activism, 25 November to 10 December each year, to highlight the Zonta International Campaign to eliminate violence against women and girls.

About Zonta

Zonta International is a charity that helps “Build a Better World for Women and Girls”. We are committed to providing life-changing opportunities for women and girls through international and local service. Zonta has helped in 66 countries to: improve women’s health; provide better economic and educational opportunities; and campaign against gender-based violence.

(Another orange lady outside of Kyle's Southside Chempro store in South Lismore. Photo: supplied)

Find out about or contact Northern Rivers Zonta at https://zontadistrict22.org/district-22-clubs/zonta-club-of-northern-rivers-inc.