The Zonta Says NO Campaign for the Zonta clubs of Bombay I and Bombay III, District 25, commenced on 4 December with members of both the clubs saying no to violence against women and child marriage.

The students of Lady Engineer School, both girls and boys in ninth and tenth grade classes participated in the program.  Club members showed a video of Kirti Bharti of Saarthi Trust, who is a warrior against child marriage and interviews of girls rescued from child marriage and now leading a better life. These depicted the ill effects of child marriage and created social awareness.  

Next, slides were projected with various captions saying no to violence and child marriage and advocating for the protection and safety of women.

The students were asked to share their views and it was nice to see the boys equally and enthusiastically participating along with the girls.  

Two dances were performed by the students. One depicted violence against women, particularly rape and how to fight it and the second focused on women’s empowerment.

A pledge was taken by the students, teachers and Zonta members to stop violence and child marriage whenever and wherever witnessed or heard. The session ended with the dance participants receiving certificates of appreciation.