The Zonta Club of Kalmar, Sweden, has spent the past five years collaborating with local students and schools to raise awareness about violence against women and girls through art, performances and community engagement.

The initiative began when the club decided to create a public shop window display in Kalmar to draw attention to issues such as gender-based violence and child marriage. The club partnered with the aesthetic studies department at Jenny Nyströmskolan, where students work on projects connected to Zonta’s mission during the autumn term.

Club members meet with first- and third-year students to introduce Zonta, discuss violence against women and girls and explain the purpose of the project. Students then create posters, films and artistic installations addressing issues such as violence against women, child marriage and female genital mutilation.

According to the club, students have shown strong engagement and creativity in their work. One student-led film used clay models to illustrate the impact of female genital mutilation.

To unveil the annual display, the club hosts a public event featuring speeches, musical performances and presentations from teachers and students. The unveiling regularly attracts around 100 attendees and receives media attention.

The club also organizes an annual charity gala attended by approximately 900 people. Dance students from Jenny Nyströmskolan collaborate with the club by creating and performing original dance numbers for the event.

In addition, stylist students from Lars Kaggskolan in Kalmar assist backstage by providing hair and makeup services for gala models. For many first-year students, the event is their first experience working in a professional environment, while third-year students are evaluated on their work as part of their studies.

The club said the collaborations encourage important discussions among students while helping them gain new perspectives and experiences through creative expression and community involvement.