awareness advocacy storytelling

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. 

Zonta Club of Bangkok IX installs new Z club and hosts lecture on violence against women

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On 14 November, the Zonta Club of Bangkok IX, Thailand, led by President Dr. Sunjutha Witchawut, installed a Z Club at Phanomthuanchanupatham School in Kanchanaburi Province.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Zonta District 17 Lt. Governor Z. Runcha Boribalburibhand, Area 6 Director Z. Inthira Sawadpanich and District 17 Z and Golden Z Club Committee Vice Chair Z. Natpapha Jiirakulkij, who performed the installation. President Sunjutha presented the Z Club flag along with a donation of 10,000 THB to support the new club’s activities.

Also in attendance were Panida Pathumarak, Area 6 Club Creator, members of the Zonta Club of Bangkok III, and Z Club members from Visuttharangsi Kanchanaburi School, who observed the ceremony as part of their preparation for their own upcoming Z Club installation.

Following the installation, the school hosted a special lecture on stopping violence against women, raising awareness among students and educating them on addressing this critical issue.

Zonta Clubs in Bulgaria partner with ballet to raise awareness against violence

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The “The Nutcracker” premiere production by the Stara Zagora State Opera Ballet served as a stunning backdrop for the campaign Rada Says NO to Violence, spearheaded by Zonta clubs in Bulgaria. The ballet’s director, Silvia Tomova, provided powerful and heartfelt support for the initiative, which seeks to raise awareness and prevent violence against women and girls.   

The campaign centers around Rada, a symbolic orange doll made of recyclable materials. It features a QR code and the hashtag #IAmRada. The QR code provides access to resources for preventing and addressing violence, aiming to empower women to take the first step in seeking help and speaking out.   

The campaign, supported by the National Legal Aid Bureau, the Bulgarian Fund for Women and co-financed by the European Union, unites Zonta clubs across Bulgaria to create a large-scale movement advocating for women’s safety and rights.   

“I am Rada. Today, I live a new life,” reads the campaign’s inspiring message. “This story is not just mine—it is the story of every woman who has found the strength to face violence and move on. You can too!”   

Zonta Club of Atlántico Sur’s 16 Days of Activism

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On 25 November, the Zonta Club of Atlántico Sur, Uruguay, will begin the 16 Days of Activism campaign with an expansion of last year’s successful Orange Benches initiative across the area. The campaign, focused on the message “Say NO to violence against women and girls,” will feature regular updates on social media and the organization’s website.

As part of the campaign, the district will proudly present From Caterpillar to Butterfly, a thought-provoking play about gender violence, in the city of Pan de Azúcar. The performance aims to raise awareness and spark dialogue on the issue, with strong support and coverage from local media.

District 31 hosts musical event to promote anti-violence advocacy

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Zonta Clubs of Taipei I and Taipei II co-sponsored the joint monthly meeting Folk Song Youth Reappearance, drawing 108 participants, including members from 13 Zonta clubs across Taiwan. The event combined nostalgic music with a powerful message, advocating kindness and warmth as alternatives to violence and fear.

Through the universal language of music, the event echoed Zonta’s international anti-violence initiative, emphasizing respect, equality and harmony. Campus folk songs—a cultural form rich in humanistic spirit—were used to convey the concept of “replacing violence with love and fear with hope.”

This unique event brought participants back to days of innocence through music and reinforced Zonta’s core mission of empowering women and promoting world peace. It showcased how cultural expressions can inspire change and strengthen the call for a violence-free society.

Zonta Clubs in Taiwan celebrate 105 years and advocate against violence

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In celebration of Zonta International’s 105th anniversary and the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign, the Zonta Club of Hsinchu, Taiwan, hosted a one-day gathering at a popular persimmon farm. The event included members from five clubs: Zonta Clubs of Taipei III, Miaoli, Metropolis and Changhua.

Despite a challenging typhoon, the event was a success, fostering fellowship among Zontians from different counties and reinforcing cross-club connections. “Happy 105th birthday, Zonta! Let’s move on to another 105!” cheered participants, marking a resilient and spirited celebration of the organization’s legacy and advocacy.