Community members came together for the second year of the Zonta Says NO – Orange the World Run, transforming an early-morning run into a collective stand against violence toward women and children.

Participants rose before sunrise to take part not only in a fitness activity but in a visible act of advocacy. The fun run became a living expression of the global Zonta Says NO campaign, turning movement into momentum and awareness into action.

Held during the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Children, the event reinforced the message that lasting change is possible when communities unite. Zontians, volunteers and supporters worked together to amplify calls for safer, more inclusive spaces where women and children are protected, valued and empowered.

Great thanks go out to Zontians whose leadership and unwavering support contributed to the success and significance of the event: Area Director Susan Lim, Vice Area Director Beging Soriano, District 17 Golden Z and Z Club Committee Chair Lourdes Sese, PR Jenniffer Tipton Angeles, President Atty. Jeamie Salvatierra, President Emmy Garon, President Vivien Carmona, PE Gina Angangco, PP Moleen Del Rosario, Fiscal Maika Malamug, Lav Chipeco, Dr. Mhie Borabien, Dr. Mini Feranco, Gigi Manabat, April Arevalo, MM Ambayec, Sarah Arellado, and Sam de Matta.

Heartfelt appreciation also goes to partners and sponsors who stood with us and helped amplify advocacy: Zonta Club of Laguna, Zonta International, Zonta E-Club of Metro Laguna and Environs, Zonta Club of Metro Ortigas, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Zonta Club of Makati–Paseo De Roxas Foundation Inc., Southwoods Mall, Southwoods City, Tatak Gel, Ospital ng Biñan, GAD Biñan, JCI Damas, Z Club of Laguna, Golden Z Club of SMCL, Z Club of SMCL, Saint Michael’s College of Laguna, Dito Telecommunications, Yakult, BLK 513, Mr. Pullman, Kasile Hills, and Bouyant Industrial Systems Inc.

The Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West Inc., Australia, strengthened local advocacy efforts during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by joining a community working group focused on sustained action beyond the annual campaign.

The 16 Days of Activism Working Group—comprising local service providers and a representative from Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West Inc—identified the growing need for continuous advocacy to support victim-survivors and frontline services year-round. As a result, the group successfully engaged the Mayor and Councillors of Hobsons Bay in a round-table discussion, where participants outlined the increasing demand for appropriate, well-resourced support services in the community.

Although not in service provision, the Zonta Club of Melbourne’s West Inc contributed its advocacy expertise and project experience to the discussion, underscoring the value of civil-society leadership in shaping policy responses. The working group’s next step is to document emerging and less visible forms of gender-based violence—including coercive control, gambling-related harm, housing insecurity and financial abuse—to encourage Council to prioritise prevention and support measures in future planning.

To further elevate local concerns, the working group and Council jointly sent a letter to Members of Parliament highlighting the specific challenges facing the Hobsons Bay community.

As part of its annual service commitment, the Zonta Club of Kankakee, USA, prepared and provided a home-cooked holiday meal for clients and staff at the local domestic violence shelter.

Club members cooked and donated a full traditional meal that included turkey, ham, cheesy potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, dinner rolls and a wide selection of desserts. The meal was served during the shelter’s holiday client party, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for survivors and their families.

Two Zonta Club of Kankakee members who are 40-hour trained advocates remained on site to serve the meal directly to clients and agency staff.

During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Billings, USA, launched a bold, multi-platform campaign to confront and expose the ongoing epidemic of gender-based violence in the community. Centered on the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), the club’s Advocacy Committee took its message beyond conversation and into public view. A prominent electronic billboard was commissioned throughout October and November, amplifying voices too often silenced. Indigenous families who had lost loved ones to violence or disappearance were invited to share their stories, transforming the billboard into a powerful memorial and call to action. Images of missing and murdered women and girls appeared alongside stark statistics, ensuring the reality of gender-based violence could not be ignored.

Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, Renee Coppock, joined by fellow Zonta members, addressed the Billings City Council to urge formal recognition of the gender-based violence epidemic. The advocacy resulted in the Council’s signed Proclamation Against Gender-Based Violence, followed by a similar proclamation approved by the Yellowstone County Commissioners, reinforcing a unified stance at both city and county levels.

Throughout the 16 Days of Activism, the club sustained momentum online, sharing daily statistics, survivor-centered stories, and educational content across social media. These messages were amplified through the Club and District 12 websites and re-shared by Zonta members worldwide, extending the reach far beyond Billings, Montana.

Grassroots engagement rounded out the campaign as members partnered with local bars and restaurants to distribute Zonta Says NO coasters. Displaying the National Domestic Violence Hotline and National Human Trafficking Hotline numbers, along with critical data points, the coasters placed life-saving information directly into public spaces. Today, they are in use at numerous venues across the city, quiet but powerful reminders that help is available and violence is never acceptable.

The Zonta Club of Jefferson City, MO, USA, arranged a photo with local groups to raise public awareness about ending domestic violence at the local public library. The display featured a large banner reading “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women,” positioned across from the county jail entrance and surrounded by orange pinwheels to draw attention to the message.

The event brought together representatives from city, county, state and university law enforcement agencies, along with four nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting survivors and preventing domestic violence. By uniting diverse stakeholders in a single, public space, the action highlighted the shared responsibility of institutions and communities in addressing gender-based violence. The photo was posted on the club’s social media, the Missouri Capitol Police Facebook page, as well as KRCG television’s page.

The Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, in partnership with the Golden Z Club of Northeastern College, marked Day 13 of the 16 Days of Activism by focusing on climate justice as a critical women’s rights issue. The activity emphasized how climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, increasing health risks, resource insecurity and vulnerability during disasters.

As part of the observance, the club shared an advocacy video underscoring the message that protecting the planet also means protecting people, particularly women, girls and future generations. The initiative aligned with the global Orange the World campaign, reinforcing the club’s commitment to climate justice as a pillar of gender equality and human rights.

The club also highlighted the importance of inclusive climate action that ensures women’s voices are heard in environmental decision-making and that safeguards are in place for those most at risk. The club also recognized the leadership of young advocates, extending special thanks to Mica Bernardino of the Golden Z Club of Northeastern College for her dedication to advancing climate and gender justice.

Building on this momentum, the club extended its advocacy by launching multiple educational initiatives across Isabela, reaching diverse audiences through targeted legal, mental health and youth-focused programs.

In Roxas, Isabela, the club organized a Legal Symposium on Laws Concerning Women, Mental Health and Wellness, in partnership with the local government and with the support of Board Member Dok Totep Calderon. The forum gathered around 100 participants, including school heads, administrators, guidance counselors and student leaders, to ensure institutional leaders are equipped to multiply the impact of advocacy within their communities. Expert speakers addressed cyberbullying and mental health, the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act, and the Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Law, generating strong engagement during open discussions.

The club concluded with another major legal symposium in Cabagan, Isabela, focusing on anti-VAWC laws. Held at the Cabagan Convention Center, the event brought together local government officials, judicial leaders, prosecutors and public attorneys in a unified effort to strengthen legal protection for women and children. Sessions covered key legislation, including the Anti-VAWC Law, anti-rape statutes and cybercrime-related protections, reinforcing the importance of coordinated legal action.

Zonta District 12 Past Governors demonstrated their Zonta Says NO spirit on 5 December during their annual Holiday Luncheon at Rolling Hills Country Club in Golden, Colorado. All District 12 clubs were encouraged to take part in a Zonta Says NO event, and the Past Governors were more than happy to participate in the effort to end gender-based violence.

During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Basel, Switzerland, launched impactful initiatives addressing violence against women with disabilities, aligning with Switzerland’s 2025 theme.

A WenDo self-defense course was offered to 16 women and girls with cognitive and physical disabilities, providing practical skills in self-protection and confidence-building. Participants reported feeling more self-assured and secure, with many noting that the experience was both empowering and enjoyable.

The club also organized an inclusive art exhibition titled “Designed with Inclusion, Painted with Emotion,” showcasing artworks created by women with disabilities. Displayed in public spaces throughout the city, the paintings emerged from a workshop where participants expressed experiences of violence, imposed limitations and resilience. One participant shared that, for the first time, she felt truly heard.

To further raise awareness, the club hosted a street event highlighting the everyday challenges faced by people with disabilities and distributed 5,000 informational flyers titled “The Spiral of Violence.” The materials, which included emergency contact numbers, were placed in libraries, hospitals, doctors’ offices, cafés and restaurants to reach women in need.

In support of the global Orange the World campaign, the Basel Theater pyramids were illuminated in orange, creating a powerful visual statement of solidarity. The campaign was amplified through daily posts on Instagram and LinkedIn, generating strong engagement and encouraging public dialogue on inclusion, safety and violence prevention.