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

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.

The Zonta Club of Colombo II, Sri Lanka, recognizes that the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a critical opportunity to raise awareness, advocate for change and support survivors. While empowering women and girls remains vital, this year’s campaign emphasized the importance of engaging men as allies in dismantling harmful societal norms and addressing gender-based violence.

The campaign highlighted how male silence can perpetuate harmful behaviors and encouraged men to speak out against sexism, misogyny and violence against women and girls. It invited men to stand in solidarity with women and endorse the Say NO to Violence movement, creating a united front for gender equality.

As part of the initiative, 13 influential Sri Lankan men and groups, alongside three women, participated by creating videos advocating for an end to gender-based violence. These videos featured prominent community leaders, athletes, professionals and artists, sharing diverse perspectives and experiences. The content was posted daily on social media throughout the campaign, using the hashtag #16DaysOfActivismAgainstGenderBasedViolence. Club members amplified the message by reposting on their personal accounts, expanding the campaign’s reach.

The campaign encouraged men and women to share pledges or stories of positive actions, creating a viral movement that inspired others to intervene and promote safer, more equitable communities. By fostering dialogue and shared responsibility, the initiative underscored that the fight against gender-based violence is not just a women’s issue but a collective effort to build a world free from fear and violence.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette lit the LITE Egg orange in recognition of the 16 Days of Activism. The Light Immersive Technology Enterprise Center, a central landmark in Lafayette, USA, is visible to many traveling the nearby roadway. Members and guests were invited to take photos during the event.