The Zonta Club Parma, Italy, met with Engineer Alessia Ferrari, an engineering professor at the University of Parma specializing in environmental sustainability research. She presented the problems of water and hydrogeological risks, the studies she is conducting and the related potential environmental solutions that benefit the community.

The event was sponsored by the Municipality of Parma and attended by Councilor Daria Jacopozzi. Annamaria Ferrari, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Gazzetta di Parma, moderated the discussion.

At the close of the program, the Zonta Club Parma club president presented Ferrari with the club’s “Inspiring Woman Award,” recognizing her as a positive role model and a young talent who has achieved excellence in the scientific field.

The club reaffirmed its dedication to advancing women’s full and equal participation in the economy, research and environmental decision-making at both national and local levels. Zontians emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of women and girls as agents of change for climate resilience.

The Zonta Clubs of Blackall Range Inc, Caloundra City Inc, Maroochy Inc and Noosa Inc, Australia, joined together to plan and host an awareness event at the University of the Sunshine Coast. More than 60 attendees heard from speakers with lived experience as well as presenters from police and legal backgrounds. Held as a precursor to the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the event highlighted the strong advocacy and service role played by Zonta clubs across the region.

Participants shared positive feedback about the program, noting the honesty and clarity offered by the legal speakers and the value of hearing directly from someone with lived experience. Comments included:
“I found the legal speakers incredibly honest and liked their views very much — told it how it is.”
“Great mixture, good to see a lived experience.”
“Thank you for organising and providing the opportunity to converse, network and pull focus to a very important focus area for many sectors.”

Given the strong interest and engagement, the clubs announced plans to repeat the event with a new theme in 2026.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club I of Colombo, Sri Lanka, held its fitness fundraiser, “Walk for Dignity! End Period Poverty,” on 15 November. The event aimed to raise funds and awareness for menstrual health and hygiene while advancing the global call to end period poverty.

The walk supports the club’s partnership with the Selyn Foundation’s BleedGood program, which promotes menstrual health, sustainable practices and access to eco-friendly, reusable menstrual products for women and girls across Sri Lanka. Through the initiative, Zonta advocates for dignity, education and sustainable solutions that directly impact women’s health and environmental wellbeing.

According to the club, 40–60% of women and girls in Sri Lanka face period poverty, while households spend an estimated 3.5% of their income monthly on menstrual products. 60% of girls miss school during their periods, and approximately 963 million single-use products are discarded each year, underscoring the urgency for sustainable and accessible alternatives.

More than 95 participants, including women, men and supporters from corporate and media partners, joined the walk. Funds raised will support community workshops and the provision of reusable menstrual solutions to women and girls in need.

Learn more here.

Venango County Commissioners Chip Abramovic, Ken Bryan and Sam Breene signed a proclamation on 18 November, declaring 8 December 2025, as “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Day” in Venango County, PA, USA. The designation encourages all residents to prevent gender-based violence by educating the community on its harm, advocating for survivors of gender-based violence and acting in service on their behalf.

Zonta Club of Oil City–Franklin Club President Rebekah Deal and Vice President Bonnie Summers were present for the signing.

Many Midland storefronts display orange lady dolls as part of the Zonta Club of Midland’s campaign to end gender-based violence.

The orange dolls, named Julie, are to raise awareness for Zonta International’s service project, Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women.

The project was adopted from the United Nations 16 Days of Activism campaign to unite towards a common cause of ending gender-based violence.

One in three women will experience gender-based violence in her lifetime, and it is one of Zonta’s missions that no woman shall live in fear of violence. During the 16 Days of Activism, from Nov. 25 through Dec. 10, organizations and Zonta Clubs throughout the world raise awareness about this issue and challenge people to stand up and say NO to violence against women.

This year’s theme is “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.” The campaign aims to raise awareness about the escalating problem of digital violence, which includes online harassment, abuse, and exploitation. Orange is the color of the campaign, and the dolls represent the women in our community who have fallen victim to violence. 

The orange dolls are named in honor of Julie, who was a 23-year-old female who was riding her bike to a friend’s house in Belgium when she was attacked. She attempted to fight off the attacker, but she was much smaller. He strangled her and threw her into the canal, where her body was found three days later. Her attacker was a serial rapist released on parole who slipped through the cracks of the justice system.

Julie’s family is prompting changes in Belgium’s judicial system in her memory, so this does not happen to other women. Julie’s aunt is a member of the Zonta Club of Midland and advocates for women to protect themselves and men to stand up and pledge to say no to violence against women.

Julie’s death is not in vain as her family and friends are continuing her legacy in advocating for ending gender-based violence. You can follow Julie’s story on Instagram @julie.vanespenslife.

You can help Zonta take a stand and say NO to violence against women by taking a selfie with the dolls, posting on Facebook your selfie and how you will stand up to violence against women, and tagging Zonta Club of Midland.

Zonta Club of Midland is a service organization working to advance the status of women and girls in Midland and is part of Zonta International, a leading global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls. Additional information can be found at ZontaClubOfMidland.org.

Read the full article here.