The  Zonta Club of Mangawhai, New Zealand, has been holding knitting bees weekly over the last few months in preparation for their “knit-bomb” of a large prominent oak tree located in the center of Mangawhai Village.

On the evening of 25 November, the start of the 16 Days of Activism, members braved the rain and gathered to wrap, stitch, climb, stretch and decorate the tree to the delight and curiosity of local residents. The tree remained wrapped for the 16 days of activism and was featured in the local newspaper.

The following morning, the club hosted an advocacy stall at the village market. Along with their orange dolls, members distributed orange ribbons and Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women bookmarks with all proceeds earmarked for Women’s Refuge.

To continue the 16 Days of Activism, the club’s orange dolls provided static displays in the local library, museum, chemist and op shop, and they posted Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women messages with appropriate statistics on Facebook.

Reaction at the local market on Saturday morning was overwhelmingly positive and members manned an advocacy stall displaying the club’s orange dolls, offering information and support to anyone in the community. The club is delighted with the visibility and impact of their initiative, and the support from their local community.