Though small in size, the Zonta Club of Albury-Wodonga Inc, Australia, made a significant impact during this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The club launched its campaign with a yarn bombing initiative, covering a grove of 20 small trees in Wodonga and four large trees in Albury with knitted and crocheted orange squares. The project, supported by enthusiastic community groups, spread awareness of the campaign’s message in a highly visible way.

The first official day of the campaign included a radio interview explaining the significance of the orange-clad trees, while local newspaper coverage extended the reach of their advocacy.

On day two, club members attended a community vigil honoring the 87 victims of gender-based violence in Australia so far this year. Each name was read aloud, and members placed a native flower at the flagpole’s base, displaying a sign for women.

The club continued its advocacy throughout the campaign:

• On day six, members brought their signature “Orange Ladies” to a Men’s Shed event in support of the campaign.
• On day twelve, Billabong High School students helped pack 300 Birthing Kits for distribution.
• On day thirteen, club members participated in the Albury Park Run, raising awareness for the cause.
• On day fourteen, members networked at the Felltimber Community Breakfast, selling handcrafted Orange Lady merchandise to support their initiatives.
• On day fifteen, another local high school assisted in packing additional birthing kits, and members joined a walk through Albury’s main street alongside the Domestic Violence Unit of the Murray River Police District and a Rotary Club donning their new campaign colors.
• On day sixteen, a member of the club attended the Zonta Says No Online Summit, reinforcing their commitment to the global movement.

Despite its small size, the club made a big impact during the campaign, ensuring that the message of the 16 Days of Activism resonated throughout the community.