The Zonta Club of Amherst Area, Canada, marked the beginning of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign with a flag-raising ceremony on 25 November in Amherst, Nova Scotia. The event was attended by the mayor, town councilors, members of the club and the Member of the Provincial Legislature, reinforcing the club’s ongoing advocacy efforts.

During the ceremony, the mayor of Amherst read a proclamation prepared by the club, officially recognizing the campaign. Club President Lisa Emery addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day.

In addition to the flag-raising, the club set up an informational display on the town’s main street, showcasing Zonta’s mission to empower women and girls both locally and globally. The club also recognized Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on 6 December, honoring the women who lost their lives in the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Quebec.

Lisa emphasized that violence against women and girls remains a global crisis, particularly in regions experiencing conflict such as Gaza, Haiti, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Sudan and Ukraine, where women and girls face heightened risks. She also underscored Zonta International’s efforts to end child marriage, citing legislation in Iraq that could lower the legal marriage age to nine for girls and fifteen for boys, a policy the organization continues to advocate against.

Locally, Lisa urged the community to remain vigilant and report any signs of violence, stressing that advocacy begins with action. “If you see something, say something—for the sake of the family,” she stated.

The flag-raising ceremony, an annual tradition, reaffirmed the club’s dedication to raising awareness, influencing policy and supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Through its continued advocacy, the club remains committed to creating a safer, more equitable world for women and girls.