The Zonta Club of Toronto, Canada, invited Dr. Bazlul Khondker, an internationally recognized economics scholar, to speak about the economic impact of violence against women.

Dr. Khondker holds a Master of Science degree in quantitative development economics and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Warwick. During the presentation, he shared insights from five reports he lead author for UN Women and the European Union examining how violence against women affects a country’s economy.

The discussion explored the reasoning behind the studies, the research methodology used and the findings from the reports. The research focused on five countries: Seychelles, Lesotho, Jamaica, Grenada and Guyana.

Dr. Khondker generously agreed to have the session recorded so it can be shared with other Zonta clubs. Watch the session here. Passcode: D!Uc&L0$

The Zonta Club of Chittagong, Bangladesh, continues to advocate for women’s and girls’ rights through legal support initiatives and public calls for justice in cases of violence against women and children.

The club recently extended support to Ms. Nurjahan, a survivor of child marriage and domestic violence. Ms. Nurjahan endured abuse and torture from her husband and in-laws related to dowry demands and was later abandoned by her husband, who remarried. She is now solely responsible for caring for her 10-year-old son while relying on the limited income of her father, a local taxi driver.

In response, the Zonta Club of Chittagong coordinated legal assistance by contacting Advocate Rahonoma Alam, who agreed to handle Ms. Nurjahan’s legal matters. As a result of these efforts, the court issued an arrest warrant for Ms. Nurjahan’s husband and also pledged to help provide her with financial assistance.

As part of its advocacy initiatives, the club also organized an awareness program on “Say No to Violence Against Women and Girls” at Jonab Ali Pilot School. The session featured presentations from Advocate Asaduzzaman and Inspector PBI Morzine Akhter, who discussed the importance of women’s rights, the legal impacts of violence and gender discrimination. Approximately 150 parents and local residents attended the program.

The club also organized a human chain demonstration following the tragic rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in Dhaka on 19 May 2026. Authorities recovered the child’s body after she was reportedly assaulted and killed in a rented flat in the Pallabi area. A neighbor, Sohel Rana, and his wife, Swapna Akter, were subsequently arrested in connection with the case.

Through the human chain, members of the Zonta Club of Chittagong sought to raise awareness and urge government and judicial authorities to pursue justice and strengthen protections for girls and women. The demonstration highlighted concerns about the safety of girls and called for stronger laws and action to prevent violence against children.

The Zonta Club of Roskilde, Denmark, organized an expanded series of events in 2025 as part of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, working closely with local authorities and community partners to raise awareness about domestic and psychological violence.

The campaign began on 22 November in the Roskilde marketplace, where club members hosted an orange-themed information tent alongside representatives from the local women’s shelter. The display included 20 pairs of orange shoes symbolizing the 20 women killed by violence in Denmark in 2025.

As part of the campaign, the club received permission to dress Roskilde’s iconic statues in orange clothing, an initiative that drew significant public attention throughout the city. The ARGO Energy Tower was also illuminated in orange light, while approximately 25 local shops displayed large orange bows with QR codes linking to information about the Zonta Says NO campaign.

Additional activities included a free self-defense training session and an educational event at a local high school attended by 75 students ages 17-19. The two-hour session focused on psychological violence and featured videos produced by the Danish public service organization Lev Uden Vold (Live Without Violence), followed by a panel discussion with experts in law enforcement, violence prevention, digital violence and victim support, as well as the mother of a young woman killed by her former boyfriend.

The campaign concluded with a public screening of the Danish film “Violence in the Name of Love” by award-winning director Christina Rosendahl, who attended the event and led a discussion following the film.

Local newspapers and television stations covered the campaign extensively, highlighting the orange-clothed statues and interviewing club members about Zonta International and the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

In collaboration with its long-standing partner Sindalan National High School, the Zonta Club of Pampanga, Philippines, conducted an advocacy symposium on 24 March focused on the Safe Spaces Act and the promotion of safe, inclusive environments for young people.

Held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the symposium reached 2,025 students and highlighted the importance of addressing gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces, educational institutions, workplaces and online platforms.

The session was led by legal expert Attorney Eunice Aura Santos, who provided a comprehensive discussion on the provisions and relevance of the Safe Spaces Act. Santos emphasized that creating safe spaces is a shared responsibility that requires awareness, courage and collective action.

By connecting legal concepts to real-life situations, the discussion helped students better understand their rights and the protections available to them under the law.

A question-and-answer segment followed, allowing students to raise concerns and engage in open dialogue surrounding safety, respect and accountability. Organizers said the discussion encouraged greater understanding and empowered students to become advocates for safer and more respectful communities.

The program concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation. School Principal Lyn Esguerra recognized the contributions of Santos, as well as Zonta Club of Pampanga President Gina Millan, Past President Gilda Padua and Vice President Leonor Bais for their leadership and support of the initiative.

Organizers described the symposium as more than an educational activity, calling it a transformative experience that increased awareness of the Safe Spaces Act while inspiring collective responsibility and action among students.

The Candlelight Vigil for North West Tasmania took place on 6 May, coinciding with National Family Violence Remembrance Day. Community members were encouraged to attend and show their support for survivors and victims of domestic violence by donning purple attire. Candles, symbolizing hope, were distributed alongside message tags for the remembrance tree. Advocates for Change shared poignant and personal messages, while staff were present to offer assistance throughout the event.

This gathering served as a heartfelt tribute to honour those lost to family and domestic violence, support those affected and advocate for an end to the cycle of violence within communities.

This event was a joint venture between the Zonta Club of Devonport Inc, Australia, Cradle Coast, Soroptimist Devonport, Engender Equality, Police Family Violence Unit, Family Violence Counselling and Support Service and Central Coast Council.

The Zonta club played a pivotal role in organizing this event, contributing three members to the planning committee. The club successfully secured a grant from the Tasmanian Family and Sexual Violence Alliance, which helped fund the occasion.

Additionally, members arranged flowers and candles, prepared thank-you gifts for the speakers and pianist and ensured a welcoming vigil space. The club also warmly greeted attendees, making sure everyone felt safe and included.

The event achieved its goal of honoring and remembering lives lost to domestic violence while helping break the silence surrounding the issue. By standing in solidarity with survivors, participants emphasized that support and resources are available to those affected.

As part of the vigil, message tags from the remembrance tree will be displayed at council offices throughout North West Tasmania as a continued symbol of awareness and community commitment to ending violence. Structures across the region were also illuminated in purple in a show of solidarity and remembrance.

The Zonta Club of Harrisburg-Hershey, USA, hosted a social media campaign on Facebook each day for the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week from 19-25 April. The club contacted local legislators and like-minded partner organizations for comments regarding their support of victims of crime and their rights.

Club members also attended the 2026 Crime Victims’ Rights Rally on 20 April, hosted by the Crime Victims’ Alliance of Pennsylvania.

On 6 March, the Zonta Club of Cheyenne, USA, held its annual fundraising event known as CANCEL OUT Domestic Violence.

The event featured several displays and activities focused on educating attendees about the impact of domestic violence. One of the most visible displays was a clothesline installation at the entrance to the venue featuring dozens of T-shirts with messages related to domestic violence awareness.

Silhouettes representing local women who lost their lives to domestic violence were also placed throughout the venue, each accompanied by information about their stories.

Two speakers shared personal experiences related to domestic violence during the program. One speaker performed a song written in memory of a bandmate who was killed by her estranged husband while performing.

Funds were raised through sponsorships, dinner ticket sales, auctions, raffles and donations. According to the club, a portion of the proceeds will support the Zonta Foundation for Women, while additional funds will benefit the local Safehouse organization, which assists survivors of domestic violence as they transition to the next stage of their lives.

The event highlighted the importance of advocacy, awareness and community support in efforts to end violence against women and girls.

In a joint effort to amplify advocacy and drive meaningful change, Zonta Clubs of Ibadan I and II, Nigeria, successfully organized a press conference focused on the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign. The event served as a strategic platform to engage the public, raise awareness, and reinforce our collective commitment to ending all forms of violence against women and girls.

During the session, members of both clubs provided clear insight into the objectives of the campaign, emphasizing the urgent need for societal action, policy support, and community involvement. The discussion highlighted the various forms of violence—physical, emotional, psychological, and economic—and the far-reaching impact they have on individuals, families, and society at large.

Participants were also educated on practical ways to support the campaign, including speaking up against abuse, supporting survivors, promoting gender equality, and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to foster safer communities. The critical role of individuals, institutions, and the media in shaping attitudes and driving accountability was strongly emphasized.

As part of the broader advocacy efforts, Ibadan II extended its impact through an outreach to a local school, where students were sensitized on the importance of speaking up and not suffering in silence. The session encouraged young people to recognize abuse, seek help and support one another, reinforcing the message that their voices matter and can drive change.

The combined initiatives not only deepened public understanding but also strengthened partnerships and inspired a shared responsibility to say NO to violence in all its forms. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to advocacy, education, and sustained action toward a violence-free society.

The Zonta Club of Kauai, USA, collaborated with the Kauai Committee on the Status of Women and several local agencies in support of the Mayor’s Denim Day Proclamation.

Denim Day, held on the last Wednesday in April (Sexual Assault Awareness Month), is recognized internationally as a campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence and support survivors. The initiative encourages people to wear denim as a visible statement against victim-blaming and gender-based violence.

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.