advocacy

Zonta Club of Amherst Area launches 16 Days of Activism with flag raising ceremony

Zonta International Leave a comment

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.

Zonta Club of Baden-Baden combats domestic violence through hands-on and digital initiatives

Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta Club of Baden-Baden, Germany, took action during the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, combining community engagement and digital advocacy to raise awareness on domestic violence.

In collaboration with a local hardware store, four teams—each with two girls, two boys and a coach, including female carpenters—built four orange benches as anti-violence symbols. The store provided materials and workspace, while the wood department manager served as the umpire. One week before, participants attended a Zonta Says NO introduction to prepare for the project, which encouraged teamwork, awareness, and skill-building.

Alongside the bench project, the club launched a social media campaign featuring Matilda, a fictional character who asked local experts practical questions about domestic violence prevention and victim support.

Daily videos featured responses from social workers, police officers, women’s shelter representatives, youth welfare officers and town officials, highlighting available resources. The campaign ended with a farewell letter from a survivor to her abusive husband, delivering a powerful message on the effects of domestic violence.

Zonta Club of Houston takes pledge to end violence against women

Zonta International Leave a comment

During its November meeting, members and guests of the Zonta Club of Houston, TX, USA, reaffirmed their commitment to ending gender-based violence by taking the Zonta pledge to “Say NO to Violence” as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Through this pledge, participants vowed to:

  • Say NO to violence against women and girls in all forms, including physical, psychological, and online abuse.
  • Support or host programs addressing gender-based violence.
  • Educate themselves by exploring resources on the Zonta Says NO website.
  • Speak up about what they learned during the 16 Days and continue raising awareness through social media, family, and community conversations.
  • Engage men and boys in taking the pledge and becoming active allies in preventing violence.

The club members wore orange and displayed anti-violence posters as part of the commemoration of the 16 Days.

Ending violence against women: A partnership for change

Zonta International Leave a comment

As the culminating activity of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta e-Club of the Philippines III, Philippines, partnered with the Archdiocesan Commission on Pastoral Care for Women and Children in the Campaign to End Violence Against Women, held at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Pastoral Center in December 2024.

The event brought together 500 delegates, including students, mothers, social workers, and local residents, with the venue filled with the color orange, symbolizing their commitment to taking action against violence. The e-Club donated ₱5,000 to provide food for the VIPs and attendees, reinforcing their support for the cause.

The day began with a welcome address from Sr. Ma. Ananita Borbon, RGS, PhD, director of the Commission on Pastoral Care for Women and Children. Ms. Diana Rose Balatero, RSW, mission development coordinator of St. Mary Euphrasia Integrated Development Foundation, Inc., then shared insights on the programs and cases their foundation has handled, aiming to mobilize people to combat violence against women and children (VAWC).

Dr. Jhane Pulhin, club president, introduced Zonta International, its mission, and its commitment to ending VAWC. She emphasized the shared responsibility of both men and women in advocating for the protection and empowerment of women in society.

In the afternoon, representatives from the Provincial Police Office VAWC Desk provided a legal discussion on Republic Act No. 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act. This was followed by Ms. Eva Morillo, Social Welfare Officer III, who discussed case management of VAWC cases. The session included an open forum, allowing participants to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue.

The event concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration and a Pledge of Commitment, led by Archbishop of Batangas, Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, D.D., solidifying the community’s dedication to eradicating violence against women and children.

This initiative marks the beginning of a sustained partnership between the Zonta e-Club and the Archdiocesan Commission on Pastoral Care for Women and Children, with both organizations committed to implementing concrete actions to protect women and children across the Diocese of Lipa. As awareness grows, more individuals are stepping forward to contribute to lasting societal change.

16 Days of Activism in Bunbury, Western Australia

Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta Club of Bunbury Inc, Australia, actively participated in the 16 Days of Activism by hosting several advocacy events. Among these efforts, the club’s affiliated Kingia Z club crafted 2,000 white ribbons for distribution at the Bunbury Silent March and the Bridgetown and Bunbury Markets. The Silent March united local organizations, police and government agencies as they walked through Bunbury’s streets, concluding with a rally in the town square.

The club also organized a “Respect Art Calendar” competition, inviting local high school and primary school students to participate. The winning images were then featured in a calendar for 2025. This project aims to provide schools and students with a reason to start conversations about respect, with the hope that children involved become “Respect Ambassadors” as they learn about what respect looks, sounds and feels like.

he club actively engaged in advocacy by sharing daily social media posts on its Facebook page and supporting the “Men Against Domestic Violence” community concert and fundraiser. Members fully embraced each initiative, demonstrating their commitment to advocacy through meaningful action.

Turning Aalborg orange: A city united against gender-based violence

Zonta International 1 Comment

During the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Aalborg, Denmark, transformed the city into a powerful statement against gender-based violence as part of the global Zonta Says NO campaign—known in Denmark as Orange Days. Through striking visual elements and community-driven initiatives, the campaign demonstrated how civil society can mobilize around one of our time’s most pressing human rights issues.

Aalborg’s cityscape became a call for action, with the iconic Aalborg Tower illuminated in orange, statues draped in fabric, and powerful messages displayed across digital billboards and buses. Public spaces turned into urgent reminders of the ongoing fight against gender-based violence, ensuring that the campaign was impossible to ignore.

Orange Days launched with an event at Aalborg Cathedral School as part of Zonta Denmark’s national GoalFive project. More than 250 students participated in workshops exploring UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. Their thought-provoking projects were later exhibited in storefronts across the city, sparking crucial conversations among the next generation of changemakers.

Beyond awareness, the 16-day campaign fostered real engagement through self-defense classes, panel discussions, and creative workshops. Collaborations with crisis centers, schools, and local businesses strengthened the initiative, demonstrating the power of collective action. “The color orange symbolizes a brighter future—a world where women and girls no longer live in fear of violence,” said Henrietta Haukrogh, president of the Zonta Club of Aalborg. “That future starts with action, and together, we are making a difference.”

With its strong emphasis on visual storytelling and strategic partnerships, Orange Days in Aalborg became more than a symbolic event—it was a catalyst for real conversations and long-term change. The momentum created in 2024 is just the beginning, and the overwhelming local support proves that when activism is combined with creativity and collaboration, it can drive lasting change. As the campaign progresses, the club will continue to turn awareness into action, striving toward a future where gender-based violence is a thing of the past. The fight for equality is far from over—but with every year, the movement grows stronger.

Aalborg Stands United. The Fight Continues.

Follow the club @aalborg_zontaklub

Zonta Club of Seguin says NO to violence against women

Zonta International Leave a comment

Members of the Zonta Club of Seguin, USA, gathered at the city council chambers with the Mayor of Seguin for a NO to Violence Against Women proclamation signing. The city’s water tower was illuminated in orange during the 16 Days of Activism to recognize that national and international Zonta clubs are uniting against gender-based violence.

Zonta Walkathon: A powerful stand against violence against women

Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka, Bangladesh, hosted a Walkathon on 7 December at Ramna Park, marking a significant moment in the 16 Days of Activism campaign. Led by Club President Anhara Siddiky, the event united a diverse community to raise awareness and take action against gender-based violence.

A collaboration with the Bangladesh Girl Guides Association highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping a future free from violence. Their active participation and enthusiasm underscored a new generation’s commitment to advocacy and change.

Participants received T-shirts, mugs and towels featuring anti-violence messages, creating a powerful visual statement of solidarity. Media coverage amplified the event’s impact, with interviews from the club president and governor, bringing the message to households across Bangladesh and inspiring broader awareness.

A poignant moment came as pigeons were released, symbolizing peace, while balloons carrying anti-violence messages soared, representing collective hope for a world without fear. The event fostered conversations, strengthened community ties, and reinforced a shared commitment to ending violence against women.

The Walkathon was more than just a gathering—it was a movement for change, making meaningful strides toward a future where respect and equality prevail over violence and fear.

16 Days Walk at Corinella

Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta e-Club Central and Southern Australia Inc, Australia, launched the 16 Days of Activism in Bass Coast with a community event aimed at raising awareness and taking action against family violence. The initiative brought together key stakeholders and community members to emphasize that family violence is never acceptable and to highlight the rising rates of violence in the region.

The event, which marked the start of 16 Days of Activism, was connected to Active Bystander training, an online forum with guest speakers, and a social media campaign. Key stakeholders supporting the initiative included the Bass Coast Shire Council, Corinella Community Centre, Victoria Police, Gippsland Women’s Health and Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault.

The event began with speeches from Sandra Burns and newly elected Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Hallstead, setting the tone for a unified stand against family violence. The walk was led by the club president, alongside Sandra Burns, carrying the Zonta Says NO banner as a powerful statement of advocacy.

Local media, including The Sentinel, were informed of the initiative to amplify awareness and encourage community participation in the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Zonta Club of Albury-Wodonga Inc brings big impact to 16 Days of Activism

Zonta International Leave a comment

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.