Day 1: “Envisioning—A World Without Violence”
The Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, Philippines, launched its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on 25 November, with an online program centered on envisioning a world free from violence. Zontians, youth advocates and community partners gathered virtually to promote the Zonta Says NO Pledge, aligning with the global advocacy campaign of Zonta International.
Participants publicly signed the pledge, shared the official message and changed their profile photos to amplify awareness across social media. Club President Liza Mora-Arroyo emphasized the significance of the action, calling each signature “a voice declaring enough is enough.” Youth members and survivors alike expressed that the digital movement strengthened their sense of hope and solidarity.
Former Club President Dr. Evelyn Guzman underscored the impact of visibility, noting that sharing the pledge helps break the silence surrounding abuse. The launch set a strong foundation for the campaign’s remaining days, reaffirming the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao’s commitment to a safer and more equitable community.
Day 2: “Advocacy Banner for Change”
On 26 November, the club expanded its advocacy with a highly visible banner campaign promoting the message “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women and Girls.” Members distributed banners to partner agencies and schools, encouraging public display as a bold reminder of communal responsibility.
Key partners included LGU Tuguegarao City, LGU Lal-lo, DepEd Region 2, Housing agencies, PNP RO2, the Regional Trial Court, Cagayan State University and multiple public schools. Club President Mora-Arroyo said the banners “speak” by confronting the community with a clear message that violence has no place in society.
School and government partners noted that displaying the banners demonstrates unity and commitment to women’s safety. The campaign strengthened advocacy networks and increased public visibility across the region.
Day 3: “Orange the City”
On the third day, the Zonta club and youth advocates turned public spaces into bright symbols of hope, covering campuses and partner areas in orange, the global color of the movement to end violence against women.
Cagayan State University and Cagayan National High School participated, with the Z Club of CNHS leading creative installations and campus displays. Students expressed pride in taking part, noting that the visual impact encouraged dialogue and awareness.
Reflecting on the activity, a Z Club of CNHS member shared, “Decorating our school in orange showed us that we can be part of the change. Every ribbon, banner, and display speaks louder than words and reminds everyone to take a stand against violence.” Another participant from CSU noted, “When the community and students unite, the message becomes impossible to ignore. Today, we showed that safety and respect for women is everyone’s responsibility.”
Day 4: “Abuloy: A Memorial Donation for GBV Victims”
The Zonta Club of Tuguegaro marked Day 4 with a solemn observance honoring victims of gender-based violence. The club launched “Abuloy: A Memorial Donation,” a culturally meaningful initiative symbolizing remembrance, solidarity and support for survivors.
In Filipino culture, “abuloy” is a donation traditionally given when someone dies, offered as an act of remembrance and support for the bereaved family. For this initiative, the Z Club of CNHS members actively collected the abuloy, symbolizing the youth’s meaningful participation in remembering victims and supporting advocacy efforts. All collected “abuloy” will be donated to the Zonta Women Foundation, which will use the funds to sustain service projects and initiatives designed to protect women and girls in the community.
Club President Liza Mora-Arroyo emphasized the importance of remembrance, stating, “Today, we honor those whose voices were silenced and those whose lives were cut short. By remembering them, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a safer, more compassionate world for all women and girls.” A Z Club member shared, “Participating in ‘Abuloy’ gives meaning to our advocacy. It reminds us that our actions today can help protect and empower women tomorrow.”
Day 5: “ThreadZ of Hope—Dressmaking for Survivors”
The club celebrated youth empowerment during the 16 Days through “ThreadZ of Hope,” a Project CloZet initiative led by dressmaking students of the Z Club of Cagayan National High School. Under the guidance of their teachers and club members, students began creating dresses for children who are victims of abuse or whose mothers are survivors.
Club President Mora-Arroyo said the project taught youth that advocacy and service can be expressed through skills and creativity. The initiative builds on the success of past dressmaking distributions supporting Indigenous children and local families.
ThreadZ of Hope reinforced the value of intergenerational collaboration and highlighted how young people can turn learning into meaningful acts of compassion.
Day 6: “WE Zumba—Women Empowerment Through Movement”
On Day 6, more than 60 women gathered at Robinsons Place Tuguegarao for WE Zumba, a high-energy event promoting empowerment, unity and visibility. The venue filled with orange outfits and advocacy messages, transforming a fitness activity into a public call to end violence.
Participants described the event as both energizing and symbolic. Awards for attire and movement celebrated enthusiasm and community spirit. The club provided refreshments to support participants and sustain engagement.
Day 6 demonstrated that advocacy can be woven into everyday activities, creating dynamic spaces where women celebrate strength, solidarity and collective purpose.
Join us in saying NO 