Each year Zonta & UN mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign on 25 November. All Zonta Clubs within Area 05, District 30 also begin the campaign by organizing different campaigns in their cities.

On 24 November, 2023 Zonta Club of Sofia organized a procession in the center of Sofia – Bulgaria’s capital under the motto “NO to violence”.

Instead of illuminating buildings in orange, the club opened a Zonta Says NO alley with trees wrapped in orange. The trees also have plates containing a QR code leading to a webpage with more information about the campaign and useful contacts.

Zonta Says NO Information flyers and orange flags were also distributed during the procession. Talented cheerleaders from Sofia’s First English Language School took part in the march with a performance. The procession was also part of Area 05, District 30’s Campaign “I want to meet the sun, too!”, launched back in 2020.

The campaign’s goal is to work with crisis centers accommodating women and children victims of domestic violence as well as to support the opening of new ones that are highly needed in Bulgaria. The event was attended by citizens, Zonta members and friends and received coverage in the national television.