Help women in war torn countries: sign the petition "say no to violence against women"

September 29, 2010

Dear Zontians,

Ten years ago, on October 31, 2000, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1325, the first formal document from the Security Council that requires parties in conflict to respect women’s rights and to support their participation in peace processes. Many civil society organizations lobbied for the passage of the resolution. It calls for prosecuting crimes against women, extra protection for women and girls in conflict areas and involving more women in peace talks and reconstruction planning. Since then two more resolutions, 1820 and 1888, have also been adopted unanimously. Both of these resolutions emphasize and build on Resolution 1325.

Zonta International has supported these resolutions and now, ten years later, we find that women are still pawns of conflict. Sexual violence against women is in the headlines every day. According to UNIFEM, “In contemporary conflicts, as much as 90 percent of casualties are among civilians, most of whom are women and children. Women face devastating forms of sexual violence, which are sometimes deployed systematically to achieve military or political objectives.” We can help to stop this brutality by joining with UNIFEM in Women Count for Peace. This campaign is part of SAY NO UNITE, End Violence against Women.

All Zontians can add their names to a petition which asks governments to support 3 steps to implement Resolution 1325. The petition asks the individual governments to: Prosecute those who command and/or commit sexual violence and exclude them from armies and police forces after conflict; Ensure that women participate in peace negotiations and all post-conflict decision-making institutions; and Increase the number of women in troops, police forces and civilians within international peacekeeping efforts.

You can add your name by going to www.saynotoviolence.org/make-women-count-for-peace where you can sign the petition online or print out petition forms that may be mailed. The women in war torn countries need our help.

Yours in Zonta,

 

Mary Ann Tarantula

Zonta International United Nations Committee, Chairman

Captive Daughters' perspective on sex trafficking

As California is one of the most politically influential states in the nation, and because Captive Daughters is headquartered in California, we present a special section of our website focusing on key California anti-sex trafficking legislations, key people combating sex trafficking and the current news concerning sex trafficking within California.

Read the latest news concerning sex trafficking in California: busts, stings, investigations and reports.
- UNDERSTANDING OUR PERSPECTIVES ON SEX TRAFFICKING -

Please see the ABOUT US page to learn more of Captive Daughters' perspective on sex trafficking--both domestic and international--and the link between prostitution and sex trafficking.

- KEY LAWS, MEASURES & TASK FORCES AFFECTING SEX TRAFFICKING IN CALIFORNIA -

1. Measure AB22: California Trafficking Victims Protection Act: Authored by Assemblymember Sally Lieber (D-Mountain View) and signed into law by the Governor in September, 2005, this measure makes human trafficking a felony in California and aims to assist victims in rebuilding their lives. The measure is the most comprehensive of its kind in the nation, addressing intra-state trafficking and combining both criminal and civil remedies to combat human trafficking.

2. Senate Bill 180 (SB 180): Human Trafficking: Sponsored by State Senator Sheila Kuehl (D-Los Angeles), this bill created the California Alliance to Combat Trafficking and Slavery (California ACTS) Task Force, which will raise public awareness of the issue and bring together relevant state agencies, law enforcement, and service providers to improve data collection, prosecution of traffickers, and victim protection and services. SB 180 also asks the Commission on Peace Officer Standards Training to implement training on human trafficking for peace officers in California. Such training is essential for successful detection, investigation, and prosecution of human trafficking cases.

3. The California Alliance to Combat Trafficking and Slavery (CA ACTS) Task Force: Formed by State Attorney General Bill Lockyer, the California Alliance to Combat Trafficking and Slavery (CA ACTS) Task Force was established as a result of AB 22, by Assembly Member Sally Lieber (D-Mountain View) and SB 180, by Senator Sheila Kuehl (D-Los Angeles). Chaired by the Attorney General, Bill Lockyer, the CA ACTS Task Force will examine the issue and present a report for legislative review. The report, due by July 2007, will identify the scope of human trafficking in California, collect and summarize data, describe local and statewide efforts to address the issue, determine gaps in services, and make recommendations on how to improve California’s law enforcement and prosecution efforts, as well as its response to victims. As of October 15, 2008, the Crime and Violence Prevention Center within the California Attorney General's Office is no longer in operation.

4. Senate Bill 1569 (SB 1569): Human Services for Immigrant Survivors of Human Trafficking and Other Crimes: Sponsored by State Senator Sheila Kuehl (D-Los Angeles), this bill would extend eligibility for certain state and local benefits, including, but not limited to, refugee cash assistance, Medi-Cal, and employment social services, to qualified noncitizen victims of trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes, as defined, who can demonstrate their eligibility for these programs, as specified. It would also provide that these victims shall be eligible for state or local public benefits and services, to the same extent that persons are eligible pursuant to the federal Refugee Act of 1980. By increasing counties' responsibility for administering and determining eligibility for various services, programs, and benefits, this bill would create a state-mandated local program.

5. Senate Bil 677 (SB 677): Seizure of Property in a Human Trafficking Case: This bill allow courts to seize any property, such as house or automobile, used in the commission of human trafficking. In addition to the courts seizing property, the bill would add civil penalties of up to $25,000. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Los Angeles) vetoed similar legislation last year (in 2009).

6. Assembly Bill 17 (AB17): The Human Trafficking Penalties Act: Sponsored by Assemblymember Sandré Swanson (D-Oakland), and passed in October of 2009, enhances financial penalties for those convicted of human trafficking and allows law enforcement to seize assets connected to traffickers. Significantly, half of the monies collected from fines and seizures would be made solely available to community based organizations that serve underage victims of human trafficking.

- KEY LAWS AND MEASURES AFFECTING PROSTITUTION IN CALIFORNIA -

1. Measure Q: Prostitution Enforcement, City of Berkeley: This measure was voted down by 63.5% of Berkeley voters in the November 2004 election. The measure read: Shall the ordinance be adopted to: 1) make enforcement of prostitution laws the lowest priority; 2) oppose state laws making prostitution a crime; and 3) require semi-annual reporting of prostitution-related Berkeley Police Department law enforcement activities? Financial Implications: Possible increases in law enforcement costs as a result of potential increase in prostitution-related crime and increased reporting requirements.

- KEY CALIFORNIA POLITICAL & LEGAL FIGURES combating SEX TRAFFICKING -

1. (Former) State Senator Sheila Kuehl (D-Los Angeles): Sponsored Senate Bill 180 which created the California Alliance to Combat Trafficking and Slavery (California ACTS) Task Force; this bill was signed into law by the Governor in 2005. She introduced SB 1569 which provides State government assistance to immigrant victims of trafficking and other crimes.

2. (Former) State Assemblymember Sally Lieber (D-Mountain View): Authored measure AB22: California Trafficking Victims Protection Act that made trafficking a felony in California; AB22 was signed into law in 2005.

3. (Former) California Attorney General Bill Lockyer, Currently State Treasurer: During the week of March 24 2006, Lockyer convened the first meeting of a statewide task force to address the emerging issue of human trafficking, a crime involving captives many of them non English speaking women and children who are forced to work against their will in sweatshops, prostitution rings, farm labor, private homes and other enterprises under deplorable conditions. "Human trafficking and forced labor is not only unconscionable, it is illegal," said Lockyer. "It is my hope that this task force can identify ways to strengthen California's ability to combat this inhumane and hidden crime."

4. State Senator Elaine Alquist (D-San Jose): Co-authored SB 180 with fellow Senators Kuehl and Bowen. Also authored SB 1128: Sex Offender Punishment, Control, and Containment Act of 2006.

5. California Secretary of State Debra Bowen: Co-authored SB 180 with fellow Senators Kuehl and Alquist. Also authored SB 1062: Victims of crime: domestic violence and sexual assault.

6. Assemblymember Sandré Swanson (D-Oakland): Sponsored AB17 which financially penalizes human traffickers; it was passed in October 2009.

What is Governor Schwarzenegger doing to combat sex trafficking in California?

• Governor's Office Press Release, Oct. 11, 2009: Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking - this refers to AB17.

• Governor's Office Press Release Sept. 21, 2005: Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking - this refers to AB22.

*Have something to say to Gov. Schwarzenegger about sex trafficking in California? Contact his office:

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-445-4633

To send an email please visit:
http://www.govmail.ca.gov

Dear Zontians,

So our newest member has been inducted along with your executive officers. In the past year we spent a

lot of time focused on recruiting for our chartering. Recruitment is still on our list of goals but we are also

focused on where the club is going and what our goals will be for the next year. I am very excited about

this next year. I want to see the club grow and continue to diversify our membership, but also continue to

become more organized and focused on the mission of Zonta in our community. One way to accomplish

this is to create a ZCGS Endowment Fund. This allows donations to the Fund to become tax deductable

and allows or club to grow. Expect to hear more.

Human Trafficking is the advocacy issue we want to be in the forefront for the Zonta 2010-2011

year. It can be a very disturbing issue since it is something many of us believe to be something that hap-

pens to someone else and never to us in the California state capitol of Sacramento. It’s extremely impor-

tant for everyone to be aware of the risks and impact, and education is the best defense for you and your

family.

Having said Human Trafficking is not the only issue our club has in it’s sights, we will continue to join with

other local organizations advancing the status of women. The “Girls Night In” at the SAEHC

(Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center for Women) is a wonderful opportunity to provide a safe

and entertaining environment for the women at the center. We are considering a movie night with popcorn

or maybe collage night with pizza. At the August meeting we will be asking for you to bring toilet paper to

be donated to the SAEHC. Do you know how much toilet paper it takes to sustain four people for one

month?

Advancing the status of women includes teaching women how to defend themselves. When I say

women I mean current women and future women, this is a class for all ages. Last year we hosted a self

defense class with Lisa Dienes from Robinson’s Tae Kwon Do. Lisa is a very dynamic and passionate per-

son and holds a 4th degree black belt. This was an amazing one hour class that gave the basics of self

defense for women, no matter their size, to be able to defend themselves against

someone three times their size. Expect to see this in conjunction with Denim Day.

In Sisterhood,

Patti Wilson

ZCGS President

July 2010 Zonta Club of Greater Sacramento President’s Message

Dear Zontians,
I just returned from the Zonta International Convention in San Antonio Texas. It was the most empowering
experience I have ever had and I wish you all could have joined me and the 1600 + attendees. Of these
attendees almost 1300 were voting delegates from all over the world. I have attended other conferences and
conventions and this is the first time I have ever felt a part of something so powerful and positive. Although
we addressed political issues necessary for the running of the organization it did not have a political “feel”.
What I felt was the power of 1600 Zontians all using their energy to accomplish the common goal of
“advancing the status of women worldwide”
You should all be proud to Zontians not only recognizing what we do at the local level but the impact we have
on the international level. Our work and influence with the United Nations continues to grow. As you will see
in your Zontian magazine the 2010-2012 Foundation Fundraising Goals are listed. I wanted to share them
with you now. The minimum Foundation goal for this biennium is to raise $3,758,000 to support the following
programs we committed to at this convention. These include: International Service Fund $1.5 million,
ZISVAW (Zonta International Strategies to End Violence Against Women) $630,000, Rose Fund $650,000,
Amelia Earhart Fellowship Fund $700,000, Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship Fund
$184,000, and Young Women in Public Affairs Fund $94,000. These are monetary commitments Zonta has
made to ensure the future of women around the world. The next issue of The Zontian goes into great depth
of the projects we are supporting.
I would like to tell you what the International Service Program supports. The amount of $500,000 each is
dedicated to these three projects: Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Gender-Based
violence in Rwanda, a project in cooperation with UNICEF, Elimination of Obstetric
Fistula and the Reduction of Maternal and Newborn Mortality and Morbidity in Liberia,
a project in cooperation with UNFPA, Safe Cities for Women Project in Guatemala
Salvador, El Salvador, a project in cooperation with UNIFEM.
Inside this newsletter and on our Facebook page I will be sharing some pictures of
the convention.
In Sisterhood,
Patti Wilson
ZCGS President

Zonta International Unites to Say No to Violence Against Women!

From the Zonta International Convention, 2010 San Antonio, TX

Preventing and ending violence against women and girls is a top priority for Zonta International and its 31,000
members in more than 1,200 Zonta clubs around the globe. Through the Zonta International Strategies to
End Violence Against Women (ZISVAW) program, Zonta International has assisted victims of violence and
human trafficking around the globe by: raising awareness of, and improving education about, violence against
women; promoting and enforcing local laws and policies that protect women and victims of violence; and providing
medical, legal, rehabilitation and reintegration services for survivors of violence. Locally, Zonta clubs
dedicate time and resources to supporting projects that prevent violence against women and support victims
of violence in their communities.
Zonta International joins UNIFEM in asking members and friends of Zonta around the world to join the global
call to make ending violence against women worldwide a top priority.
Say NO – UNiTE to End Violence against Women is a global call for action.
Say NO records what individuals, organizations and governments worldwide are doing to end violence
against women. The goal is to reach 1 million actions by November 2010. Whether you volunteer at a shelter,
donate, reach out to students or advocate for better policies – every action counts. Let us count you in.
Your voice matters. Tell governments that you want them to make ending violence against women a top
priority. More than 5 million people already signed on to Say NO . Add your name to this powerful call to take
one action now and stay informed.
Please visit and sign up at http://saynotoviolence.org/ or zonta.org

Human Trafficking is Happening in our Backyard!!

Vicki Zito was our guest speaker at the June meeting. She shared her families personal experience as victims
of human trafficking. Our speaker took an issue that I always considered something that happens
“over there” and never in my backyard to something that is very real and can happen to any of us.
Her 17 year-old daughter was picked up at the local grocery store, taken to a motel in the Bay Area,
drugged, pimped out through ads on Craigslist, and repeatedly raped by men looking for sex with underage
girls.
Thankfully, her daughter was rescued. But hundreds of thousands of American children are at risk and
may currently be living under the same conditions her daughter experienced. She has joined forces with
an organization called Courage to Be You. (C2BU). C2BU’s efforts are focused on the rescue and restoration
of these innocent young victims by providing them the home they have been lacking. This home will be
called Courage House.
Courage House will be a safe, secure and nurturing environment where girls can live while they
begin their journey to recovery to realizing a life filled with hope and possibilities. However, in order for
Courage House to become a reality, it takes time and money. We have a core team of dedicated volunteers
as well as experts in the field of Human sex trafficking, working diligently toward the reality of Courage
House. However, we are now at a point where we are in need of financial resources to finish the job.
Therefore, we are asking for your financial assistance in making C2BU’s dream a reality. Your help
will not only make the goal of opening the first very Courage House here in Northern California a reality, it
will also enable C2BU to provide the supportive services these girls so desperately need once they are
rescued. Won’t you join with us to put an end to the abuse and sexual exploitation of minors and provide
them the life saving services they need?
Visit www.c2bu.org for more information on Courage House
Visit www.californiaagainstslavery.org this website has the latest information on Human Trafficking
CSW is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), dedicated
exclusively to gender equality and advancement of women. It is the principal global policy-making
body. Every year, representatives of Member States gather at United Nations Headquarters in New York
to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and formulate concrete
policies to promote gender equality and advancement of women worldwide. Zonta International was
recognized for our work in an advancing the status of women along with Avon, and Johnson and
Johnson, ZI President Dianne Curtis was there to accept this international recognition.

Action Alert:
Sign the Petition to Say NO to Sexual Violence in Conflict

“...sustainable peace is possible only with women’s full participation — their perspectives, their leadership, their daily, equal presence wherever we seek to make and keep the peace.”

-- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Dear Friends,

We are writing to remind you that you can make women count for peace.

Women suffer devastating harm during conflicts, including as targets of systematic sexual violence. Yet, they have little say when peace is negotiated. For two weeks,women peace activists from around the world have been meeting senior United Nations officials to voice their concerns and recommendations for peacebuilding in their countries.

Ten years ago, the United Nations Security Council called for women’s equal participation in peacebuilding in the groundbreaking resolution 1325. But its implementation in countries has been too slow.

Say NO to sexual violence in conflict and make women count for peace. Tell governments to make resolution 1325 a reality for women by taking three steps:

• Sign the petition.
• Update your friends about the initiative on Facebook. Here are some sample status updates.
• Tweet using #1325 to let others know. Here are some sample tweets you can use.

Together we can make a powerful statement to the UN Security Council when it convenes to discuss how to fulfill the commitments in resolution 1325 in October 2010.

Please share this action alert with others and stay tuned for news and updates.

It’s urgent. Please help.

Sincerely,

The Say NO Team, UNIFEM