On Thursday, October 5th, 2023, the Zonta Club of Burbank Area joined Zonta Club members from District 9 on the steps of Burbank City Hall for a press conference. Our mission was to raise awareness about our campaign to end child marriage in California. It is disheartening to know that child marriage is legal in 40 states, including California, where there is no minimum age requirement.
Standing with us were local elected officials, including Burbank Vice Mayor Nick Schultz, and Councilmembers Zizette Mullins, Tamala Takahashi, and Nikki Perez.
As the Zonta Club of Burbank, we are part of an international membership organization dedicated to empowering women and girls. We strive to create a better world through our service, advocacy, and empowerment initiatives. Our club is proud to be part of Zonta District 9, which was founded in Los Angeles in 1923 and recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary. The district covers Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.
Child marriages are a grave issue occurring not just in other countries, but also here in the United States. Shockingly, according to the International Center for research on Women (ICRW), 18 out of 20 marriages involve physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse. Furthermore, 4 out of 5 marriages end in death, divorce, or separation.
As the Zonta Club of Burbank, we are committed to raising awareness and taking action against child marriage. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where every child is protected and has the opportunity to thrive.
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