Realizing that digital harassment is a growing problem, especially for youths, District 20 partnered with Loisto setlementti, a youth organization, to organize events and fundraise for the cause.

Digital harassment is a significant form of violence to which girls and women are highly vulnerable. Therefore, the clubs find it very important to inform and give advice to families and others. Loisto setlementti has a 24/7 Service for discussion and support with children aged 8 to 18 on digital platforms.

Within six months, the clubs have had many events and webinars, where Zontians and the audience have gained awareness and information about digital harassment and have improved the effectiveness of their operations by strengthening cooperation networks. The clubs’ fundraising has successfully hired new resources for Loisto setlementti to be experts for clubs in combatting digital harassment. They also plan to arrange events in schools for parents to give information and discuss digital harassment, as well as service for girls, where they may discuss and ask for help.

The patron of the whole project is a parliament member and doctor of military services. He gave a speech about citizens’ information security skills, for example.

The project will end in March 2025. The clubs have at least 20-30 planned future events, half as virtual sessions with a large audience.

To learn more about the project, visit www.zonta.fi.