THE Zonta Club of Mitchell has nine united members and a group of volunteers advocating for a fairer world for women and girls through five practical measures.
These measures include:
1. Birthing kits: A sterile pack that is sent overseas to underprivileged women to reduce infections and deaths during childbirth.
2. Dignity bags: These contain free, essential toiletries for local women and girls to use in a crisis.
3. Trauma packs: Designed for children, these contain colouring books, pens, stickers, and squishy stress balls to distract and ease the stress of kids in crisis.
4. Breast cushions: These contain handmade cushions for men and women recovering from breast surgery.
5. Scholarships: Aiming to support local girls with their secondary education, Zonta gifts a laptop and software to a student who displays ambition and perseverance.
This year, in recognition of International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8, Zonta Club of Mitchell President Robin Audehm said the club would be joining the Zonta Club of Kyneton to hear from guest speaker Carole Theobold about why the climate crisis disproportionately affects women and girls.
“In many countries, it’s the women who have to cart the water, and during a drought, they will be travelling further kilometres,” Ms Audehm said.
“Women and girls in developing countries have not been taught to swim. Their dresses also hinder their chances of escaping flood waters alive.”
Towards the end of 2025, all Zonta clubs will partake in the 16 Days of Activism campaign to challenge gender-based violence.
To get involved with the group and support women around the globe, email zontaclubmitchell@gmail.com.
