awareness advocacy storytelling

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.

Zonta Club of Townsville Metro hosts high tea fundraiser for Zephyr Education

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On 23 November, the Zonta Club of Townsville Metro, Australia, launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign with a sold-out high tea fundraiser, attended by 80 guests. The event raised an impressive AU$3,800 to support Zephyr Education, an organization dedicated to helping children affected by domestic violence return to school.

Zephyr Education provides school uniforms and essential supplies to ensure a seamless transition for children starting at new schools. The event highlighted the community’s commitment to empowering young lives through education and advocacy.

Zonta Club of Isabela hosts events on gender-based violence and cyber crime

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The Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, partnered with the Municipality of Sto. Tomas, led by Mayor Antonio M. Talaue, to host a symposium focusing on the Laws on Cyber Crime and the Safe Spaces Act, marking their first collaboration.

Braving rainy weather, Zontians and local leaders emphasized the importance of digital safety and anti-harassment laws to combat gender-based violence. Keynote speakers included Hon. Jennifer S. Loveria, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 22, who opened the event, Atty. Maricion Capili-Guingab of the Public Attorney’s Office, who detailed cybercrime laws and R.A. 9262 (Anti-VAWC), and Atty. Cherie Marie Laddaran, who elaborated on the Safe Spaces Act.

The event encouraged community-driven initiatives to create safer environments and highlighted the vital role of partnerships in addressing pressing social issues.

In a different event, the club partnered with the Municipality of Cabagan, the Regional Trial Court (RTC), the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, and the Public Attorney’s Office to host a symposium on gender-based violence.

Legal experts and advocates led discussions on critical laws, including the Anti-VAWC Act, fostering education and action against violence. The event emphasized community collaboration and interactive sessions, providing a platform for attendees to share strategies for a violence-free society.

This joint effort aligns with the Zonta Says NO campaign, showcasing the power of collective action to address gender-based violence and promote safety for all.

Zonta Club of Jönköping advocates for change through creative 16 Days of Activism events

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The Zonta Club of Jönköping, Sweden, marked the 16 Days of Activism with a series of creative and impactful events aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence and the Zonta Says NO campaign.

Among the highlights was a partnership with a national gym chain, where a club member and an instructor led three training sessions. Participants were invited to donate any amount, with proceeds supporting Zonta’s mission. Hundreds of gym-goers saw Zonta’s rollups, orange balloons and informational displays, and goodie bags were raffled to enhance engagement.

Inspired by the Convention in Brisbane, the club crafted two orange chairs, symbolizing the fight against violence. The chairs were prominently placed along the shopping street and inside the cultural center, while the cultural center bridge and Town Hall were illuminated in orange. One of the chairs was later auctioned, raising significant funds for Zonta’s advocacy work.

The club also participated in a national hockey game alongside Soroptimists and other supporters, handed out books at the hospital library, and hosted a public outreach day in town. Members offered gingerbread and mulled wine, sold handmade Zonta Says NO bracelets and informed passersby about Zonta’s mission.

Zonta Club of Laguna presents BeCause: Be the Cause

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On the first day of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Laguna, Philippines, launched its campaign with a virtual presentation led by immediate past president Ancy Palma at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines—San Pedro Campus. Titled “BeCause: Be The Cause — VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon Na Ang Oras” (Be The Cause – Let’s End VAW, Now Is The Time), the event educated and inspired over 200 students to take a stand against gender-based violence.

The 45-minute talk highlighted the realities of Violence Against Women (VAW), exploring its various forms, debunking myths and revealing lesser-known types of abuse, all contextualized within the Philippine setting. Participants reflected on the far-reaching impact of VAW on families, communities and the economy, with one student noting, “This talk was an eye-opener. I never realized how many forms violence can take and how it affects not just the victim, but the entire community.”

Students were encouraged to take action, emphasizing that ending VAW is a collective responsibility. “As a young man, I think it’s so important that we’re part of this conversation. Ending VAW is not just a women’s issue; it’s a human rights issue,” shared John, a male attendee.

By partnering with the Golden Z Club, the club engaged the next generation of advocates, expanding their reach among youth and fostering future leaders committed to ending VAW. The event at PUP-San Pedro was a pivotal moment in the campaign. By educating and empowering university students, the club is nurturing a generation of advocates who will carry the torch of change, spreading awareness and taking action in their communities.