On 6 November, Zontians from Latvia, Sweden (District 21) and Finland (District 20) united to protest Latvia’s proposed withdrawal from the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention, the landmark international treaty aimed at preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

Urgent action was required after the Latvian Parliament voted to begin the process of withdrawal. Zonta District 21 Governor Margareta Munge immediately wrote to President Edgars Rinkēvičs, requesting him to reject the Parliament’s decision.

Civil society organizations across Latvia launched a coordinated advocacy campaign lasting several weeks. Actions included daily protests outside the Parliament building, widespread social media awareness, active participation in parliamentary committee debates and an online petition gathering public support. The protests culminated on 6 November in a mass demonstration in Riga, where more than 10,000 people gathered to oppose the withdrawal. Solidarity protests took place across Europe, with Zontians joining demonstrations in Stockholm and Helsinki.

These efforts contributed to a crucial development: President Rinkēvičs formally requested that the Parliament postpone its final vote until after the country’s 2026 election. This provides vital time to continue working to ensure Latvia remains committed to the international treaty protecting women and girls.