awareness advocacy storytelling

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.

Zonta Club of Cebu I launches campaign with Heart to H.E.A.R.T. Talk

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The Zonta Club of Cebu I, Philippines, officially launched its Campaign of Activism with a dynamic Heart to H.E.A.R.T. Talk conference at the University of the Visayas. Co-organized with the UV Golden Z Club, the event brought together approximately 200 students to discuss gender-based violence and women’s rights.

Dressed in vibrant orange—a symbol of solidarity and hope—participants engaged in meaningful conversations aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action. The symposium emphasized education and dialogue as key tools for fostering a future free from violence and fear.

District 24 clubs use yarn bombing to raise awareness of gender-based violence

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Zonta District 24 clubs collaborated to knit and crochet vibrant wraps for 15 trees at Circular Quay, a bustling tourist and transport hub near the Sydney Opera House.

Each tree was paired with information on various forms of gender-based violence, educating and creating awareness among thousands of passersby within hours of the installation. The project, supported by Placemaking NSW, highlights the importance of addressing GBV and fostering community engagement.

The colorful yarn bombing will remain in place throughout the 16 Days of Activism, with media coverage scheduled for next week.

Zonta Club of Singapore launches 16 Days of Activism with safety awareness session

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The Zonta Club of Singapore began the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with an insightful session led by the Community Policing Unit from Marina Bay Neighbourhood Police Centre.

The session covered essential safety tips and actionable steps to address crimes such as outrage of modesty, molestation, and cybercrime. Young women from the club’s Project Pari and Project Pari Plus initiatives actively participated, making the event both impactful and inspiring.

Zonta Club of Isabela launches Zonta Says NO campaign

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On 24 November, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, launched its Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign a day ahead of the official 16 Days of Activism.

The campaign, ongoing since 2012, aims to raise awareness of women’s rights violations and unite Zonta clubs worldwide in advocating against gender-based violence and inequality. The launch highlighted the campaign’s significance and introduced upcoming projects and activities to engage the public.

Club leaders, including President Jennifer Loveria, Vice President Ramorelia Caranay, and Charter and Past President Precious Jao, spearheaded the event, emphasizing Zonta’s commitment to empowering women and girls.

On 25 November, the Zonta Club of Isabela and the Province of Isabela launched their Zonta Says NO campaign at the Capitol grounds in the City of Ilagan, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Zonta Club of Stara Zagora opens Bulgaria’s first Orange Room for victims of violence 

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On 20 November, the University General Hospital for Active Treatment in Stara Zagora opened the country’s first Orange Room to support and counsel victims of violence. This safe space was created by the Zonta Club of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, along with the Stara Zagora Z club. The club also had the support of the Public Donor Fund, donors and like-minded advocates. 

The Orange Room offers a gentle environment where survivors can receive timely legal protection and psychological help. Named for the color of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and the UN’s Orange the World initiative, the room symbolizes warmth, safety and peace of mind. 

The club hopes the Orange Room will inspire national and international initiatives, providing safe spaces for survivors to feel protected and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. 

Zonta Clubs in Taiwan donate electric motorcycles to combat domestic violence 

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The Zonta Clubs of Kaohsiung Yu Hsiuan and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, part of District 31, hosted a ceremony donating ten electric motorcycles to the Kaohsiung City Government. The donation supports social workers in reaching remote areas quickly to assist victims of domestic violence, aligning with the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women campaign. 

President Sandy Hung of Kaohsiung Yu Hsiuan emphasized the club’s commitment to gender equality and ending violence, noting the donation coincided with the club’s 30th anniversary. The motorcycles, branded with the clubs’ logos, were made possible through months of planning and generous support from like-minded organizations. 

The event also featured parent-child activities and a “Get to Know Zonta” Q&A program, offering prizes for correct answers about Zonta. Hundreds of attendees joined club members in calling for an end to violence against women.