awareness advocacy storytelling

Zonta Club of Fleurieu Peninsula Inc’s 16 Days of Activism

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The Zonta Club Fleurieu Peninsula Inc, Australia, actively engaged the community with impactful initiatives during the 16 Days of Activism, focusing on raising awareness of gender-based violence and advocating for change.

Community Awareness Walk Against Gender-Based Violence
The club collaborated with Junction Australia-Fleurieu and the Haven Women’s Information Service for the inaugural walk against gender-based violence in Goolwa. Participants, joined by beautiful weather, marched down Cadell Street to the riverfront, where they observed a respectful silence for women killed by their partners this year. Eye-catching banners with the message “Zonta Says No” were also displayed roadside in Victor Harbor and outside Goolwa Secondary College.

Film Night Advocacy
The club hosted a special film screening of Lee during the campaign at Victor Harbor. Before the screening, club members highlighted Zonta’s global mission to end violence against women and girls. Guest speaker Tammy Elvin, Regional Manager for Junction Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island, shared insights into Junction’s role in the region and announced upcoming emergency accommodations for women at risk of homelessness.

Through advocacy, collaboration, and impactful events, the Zonta Club reinforced its commitment to a world free of violence against women and girls.

Zonta Club of Madagascar hosts informational meeting and discussion on violence against women

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As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Madagascar, Madagascar, engaged women and girls in a meaningful discussion about ending violence against women. The session took place before the club’s monthly training program in Antananarivo.

Participants shared examples of violence, fostering a powerful exchange of experiences and insights. The discussion concluded with a unified message from attendees: “We agree with you, Zonta Club of Madagascar. We too say STOP, NO TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN.”

Zonta Club of Parma promotes gender equality through inspiring female athletes

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The Zonta Club of Parma, Italy, hosted an empowering event featuring female athletes from An exciting meeting with the athletes of Parma Calcio 1913, of Zebre Parma rugby and with the very young judoka, winner of the bronze medal at the world championships, Rebecca Valeriani. With journalist Pietro Razzini moderating, the athletes shared stories of determination, resilience and overcoming challenges to achieve excellence in their sports.

Discussions with coaches and technical staff highlighted the importance of respect and sensitivity in fostering a culture of equality in women’s sports. The event emphasized how sports can challenge gender stereotypes, promote equal opportunities and inspire young women to pursue their dreams.

Sponsored by the City of Parma, the event concluded with a show of solidarity as the rugby team invited Zonta members to their match, where a minute of silence was observed to honor victims of violence against women.

Zonta Club of Jelgava combines art and recognition to combat violence against women

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As part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Zonta Club of Jelgava, Latvia, launched two interrelated projects in 2024: a striking environmental art installation and its annual “Heart-to-Heart” recognition event.

Straw Dolls Installation
The club’s unique environmental project, “Straw Cannot Be Hurt, but a Woman? Recognize Violence!”, features 12 large-scale straw dolls displayed in Jelgava’s city center, accompanied by real-life stories of violence. Each poster includes a QR code linking to resources for victims, raising awareness and providing support to the public. The installation, located in one of the busiest pedestrian zones, has drawn widespread attention and engagement, with daily stories shared on the club’s Facebook platform.

Heart-to-Heart Awards
The club’s annual event honored four specialists from law enforcement and public services for their dedication to combating violence against women. Awards highlighted significant achievements, mentorship and social responsibility, drawing attention to the vital work these individuals perform daily.

Impact and Reach
The project exceeded expectations, engaging approximately 16,000 social media visitors, with 900 tuning in for live-streamed events. Coverage from national and regional media further amplified its reach, including features on Latvian national television, news portals, and local press. Public engagement at the installation site, with residents stopping to read, photograph, and use QR codes, underscored the success of the initiative.

The Zonta Club of Jelgava’s efforts not only raised awareness but also fostered public dialogue, recognition and actionable support, contributing to a safer, more informed community.

Zonta Club of Isabela advocates for gender equality through art, tribute and community collaboration

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Day 13: Launching the Zonta Kalayaan Project
On Day 13 of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, proudly launched its latest advocacy initiative, the Zonta Kalayaan Project. The project aims to spread awareness about gender-based violence among high school and senior high school students by creating Freedom Walls—murals designed to depict Zonta’s Zonta Says NO Campaign.

The first Freedom Wall was unveiled at St. Thomas Montessori De San Mariano, Inc. in San Mariano, Isabela. The club hopes to have the Freedom Walls across all high schools in the Isabela province. This initiative provides students a platform for creative and constructive expression, reinforcing Zonta’s mission to educate, inspire and empower young individuals to envision a society free from violence and inequality.

Day 14: A Day of Tribute to Survivors
On Day 14 of the 16 Days of Activism, the club paid tribute to victims and survivors of gender-based violence. With the sentiment “Like a Phoenix, your voice rises from the ashes of pain,” each story is a testament to strength, resilience and rebirth.

Haesseah Chloe Santiago, first runner-up in the club’s 2nd Empowerment Awards, contributed slogans for the event, emphasizing stories of transformation and hope. These tributes are a call to break the silence and inspire a future grounded in dignity and equality.

Orange Your World in Angadanan and Alicia, Isabela
As part of its Zonta Says NO campaign, the club shared and showcased the different municipalities of Angadanan and Alicia that have stood with and advocated with the club. Together, they raised banners and promoted pledges against violence. The three cities stood together, committing to:

  • Saying NO to violence against women and girls.
  • Saying NO to violence in all forms—physical, psychological and online.

Zonta Club of Dhaka I hosts advocacy session

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As part of the 16 Days of Activism, Zonta Club of Dhaka I, Bangladesh, hosted an advocacy session, “Women in Education,” at Shaj Technical College. Led by Advocacy Chairman Hosneara Idrish and President Helen Akter, the event encouraged female students to share their educational journeys and male students to pledge support for the education of their female family members.

Highlighting education as a tool to combat gender-based violence, the session reinforced Zonta’s mission to foster gender equality. “Education has given me the confidence to dream big,” shared one female student, reflecting the session’s empowering impact.

Zonta Club of Dhaka IV advocates for gender equality through community engagement

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Empowering Youth at BKSP
On 28 November, the Zonta Club of Dhaka IV, Bangladesh, held an advocacy program at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP), engaging adolescent students and young athletes to promote gender equality and raise awareness about gender-based violence.

Governor District 25, Dr. Zareen Delawar, joined the event, inspiring participants to champion equality in their families and communities. Young athletes expressed their commitment to creating a respectful and violence-free future, aligning with Zonta’s mission to empower future leaders.

Engaging Men to Foster Respect in Families
On 4 December, the club hosted an advocacy session at Gulshan Ladies Community Club, targeting men from the day laborer community. Advocacy Chair Advocate Hasina Rashid led discussions on respecting women and empowering daughters through education.

Participants reflected on family dynamics, with one attendee vowing to promote respect at home. By addressing the root causes of gender inequality, the event aimed to build equitable and respectful communities.

Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls creates comfort for safe house residents

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Three members of the Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls, USA, collaborated to create fleece blankets for residents of the Schuyler and Chemung Counties Safe House. These blankets provide comfort to victims during their stay and are theirs to keep when they leave.

For nearly 20 years, one dedicated club member has purchased materials and crafted blankets for the Safe House, with other members joining her efforts in recent years to tie the blankets. This initiative reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to supporting survivors and fostering a sense of care and security.

Thousands of eyes on Zonta Says NO across New Zealand

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Zonta extended its gratitude to VAST Billboards, a leading outdoor digital advertiser, for supporting District 16’s Zonta Says NO campaign. Through the efforts of Anna Arps and Phillippa Elliot, 10 digital billboards displayed Zonta’s powerful message across the country for seven to nine days, significantly boosting the campaign’s visibility.

The collaboration resulted in thousands of people seeing the impactful message, greatly enhancing public awareness of Zonta’s mission to end violence against women and girls. The club praised VAST Billboards for their invaluable support in amplifying the campaign’s reach and impact.

Zonta Club of Aparri says NO to violence against women with inspiring seminars

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The Zonta Club of Aparri, Philippines, held a lecture-seminar at Lyceum of Aparri, focusing on the pressing issue of violence against women and children (VAWC). Prosecutor and Zontian Benifroi P. Pascual served as the resource speaker, addressing nearly 100 College of Nursing and Senior High School attendees.

The seminar aimed to raise awareness about the causes, consequences and prevention of VAWC. Participants gained valuable knowledge on recognizing signs of abuse and understanding the gravity of the issue. By dispelling myths, promoting empathy, and fostering collective action, the event encouraged a supportive approach to combating gender-based violence.

In another initiative, the club, led by President Liciel Antiporda-Ontiveros, conducted a livelihood seminar on fish processing at Sitio Zimay, Paddaya. Zontian Norma L. Arellano served as the resource speaker, guiding over 100 women attendees on starting low-capital businesses.

The seminar aimed to equip participants with practical skills to support their families and foster economic independence. By encouraging women to pursue their own ventures, the club seeks to empower communities and reduce reliance on partners, promoting socio-economic growth as a vital component of empowerment.