awareness advocacy storytelling

Zonta Club of Cincinnati and Contemporary Arts Center present community exhibition about “Wounded Healers”

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The Zonta Club of Cincinnati, USA, and the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) hosted a collaborative community exhibition, Wounded Healers: Transforming Pain to Wholeness and Health. This unprecedented exhibition featured drawings, prints, photographs and paintings that depict the personal and painful journey of physical, emotional and spiritual abuse leading to healing, hope and wholeness.

The month-long exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, opened with a reception for the artists, their families, and guests on Thursday, 9 November. This inaugural exhibition included 21 art pieces from 15 diverse artists who responded to an open call hosted by the club and the Contemporary Arts Center.

“At the Contemporary Arts Center, we strive to engage with issues of our time,” says Shawnee Turner, Director of Interpretation. “Supporting the Zonta Club of Cincinnati on such a relevant matter that impacts so many lives in our community while seeking to make the world better through art—this is why we’re here.”

The dates of the exhibition were selected to coincide with the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women and 16 Days of Activism campaigns. To further promote the campaign, the club hosted a kickoff for the 16 Days of Activism and a panel discussion titled “The Journey Of Healing,” featuring a club member, an artist and a psychologist, who shared their experiences of abuse and their journey to find wholeness and health – all held in the exhibit space.

The artists were honored and appreciative of the opportunity to share their work. “I am blessed. I would have never believed I would be showing art at such a prestigious gallery,” artist Laurie Ann Altman shared.

Through this exhibit, the club hopes to empower artists from the Greater Cincinnati region to bring awareness to the lived experiences of those seeking a world where no one lives in fear of violence.

Zonta Club of Kankakee marches to say NO and more

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The Zonta Club of Kankakee, USA, and family members walked in the Kankakee lighted parade, where hundreds of people lined the streets.

The club had a banner supporting the 16 Days of Activism, signs on their car with orange lights and everyone wearing orange scarves. They also handed candy out to the kids lining the streets and buttons.

The club was announced over the loudspeaker, talking about their mission locally and internationally and how these 16 days were important to end violence against women worldwide.

The club also collected gift cards this year at their Christmas gathering for a local domestic violence shelter and sexual assault center. These gift cards were for gas, groceries, clothes and any other needs the shelter and center needed. They collected hundreds of dollars in gift cards and cash to help them.

Zonta Club of Pori I says NO to violence with a short film

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On Girls’ Day, the Zonta Club of Pori, Finland, premiered its short film Viimeinen potku, which means Last Kick in English. The script was written by Teatteri (Theater) Ulpu’s Maiju Junko and Oskari Huhtanen.

Oskari Huhtanen said, “They didn’t want to belittle, but they didn’t want to gloat over the topic either. They wanted to make a serious and real-life short film.”

The film was produced by Glad Media/Anu Glad, who also directed it. Oskari Huhtanen was responsible for directing the actors. Ronja Virtanen plays the main role, and there are also about 20 children and young people from Ulpu’s hobbyist groups. The film is shown in schools in the neighboring towns of Pori and Ulvila.

The name of the film has multiple meanings. It can mean the end of life or the end of bullying. The situation of violence among children and young people has worsened. The club thought about what could be done for the cause and how to spread the word as efficiently as possible. This is how the idea of an anti-violence film was born, aimed at young people and their parents, and the core idea is that it would act as a conversation starter in schools and at home.

Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao finishes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a bang!

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Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, finishes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a bang!

For each of the 16 days, the club held at least one activity.

Day 1
Activity 1: Envisioning video.

Activity 2: Zonta Eco Angels Tree Planting Project at the Zonta Forest and Garden.

Activity 3: Simultaneous changing of Facebook Frame and cover photos.

Day 2

Activity 4: Alay-Agay 3.0 Indigenous Peoples Empowerment Program

Day 3

Activity 5: Zonta Information Caravan on Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response

Activity 6: Healthcare Information and Management Services Road Show

Activity 7: Tarpaulin display

Day 4

Activity 8: GWAPA 2.0

Activity 9: Cagayan State University – Carig Campus, GAD Seminar for 1200 Students

Day 5

Activity 10: We Remember Film Viewing held at multiple locations

Activity 11: General Membership Meeting

Day 6

Activity 12: Pinning of Orange Ribbon at Cagayan State University-Carig Campus In partnership with Golden Z Club of Cagayan State University – College of Engineering and Architecture

Activity 13: Pinning of Orange Ribbon at Cagayan State University-Andrews Campus In partnership with Golden Z Club of Cagayan State University-College of Business, Entrepreneurship and Accountancy

Activity 14: Pinning of Orange Ribbon at Cagayan National High School In partnership with Z Club of Cagayan National High School – Senior High

Day 7

Activity 15: ZCCT x Padday na Yena Cooperative Seminar with CDA

Activity 16: ZCCT honored with Plaque of Recognition at LCAT-VAWC Functionality Awards

Activity 17: All About Eve


Day 8

Activity 18: Bike Against Violence

Day 9

Activity 19: Memory Wall

Activity 20: 2-Day skills training for candle-making

Day 10

Activity 21: Kapihan para sa Kababaihan (Coffee Meet for Women)

Day 11

Activity 22: Men Against VAWC video

Day 12

Activity 23: Slogan and Poster Making

Activity 24: Student Signature Campaign

Day 13

Activity 25: Call to Action, Open Letter to Media

Activity 26: Lecture Safe Spaces And and Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act in partnership with the Golden Z Club of Cagayan State University – College of Engineering and Architecture.

Day 14

Activity 27: Leaders Speak video

Day 15

Activity 28: Day of Service at the Haven for Women and Girls

Day 16

Activity 29: Unveiling of Arts Against Violence

Activity 30: Awarding ceremony for the Search for Most VAW Responsive Barangay of Tuguegarao City

Zonta Club of Prowers County’s 16 daily events for 16 Days of Activism

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The Zonta Club of Prowers County, USA, completes 16 daily activities supporting the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism campaigns. In addition to attending the proclamation signing at the Prowers County Commissioners’ Meeting, members performed daily activities from 25 November through 10 December, such as:

  • Hanging a banner at the train depot.
  • Decorating a storefront window.
  • Setting orange pinwheels at the County Courthouse and County Annex.
  • Placing silhouettes at entrances to the library, community building and courthouse.
  • Installing orange ribbons around downtown light posts.
  • Participating in the Red Sand Project to spread the message across town locations, including Lamar Community College.

Several events were open to the public, including the In Her Shoes Event and Discussion and a showing of Knots: A Forced Marriage Story at the Cultural Events Center. Additionally, the club donated funds and gifts to the Domestic Safety Resource Center at a potluck instead of a dinner out.

The final weekend concluded with a “Take Back the Night” walk downtown and a photo op at the train depot, signaling the last day. A request was made for the club to present its award-winning advocacy program at the District 12 Area 4 meeting in Cañon City in April 2024.

Zonta Club of Denver says NO with The Blue Bench

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This year, the Zonta Club of Denver, USA, and The Blue Bench (TBB) organization met at the TownHall Collaborative Brewing Company to promote the Zonta Says NO campaign. The Collaborative is one of many breweries in the Denver area that has received SafeBars training through TBB.

TBB works to end sexual assault through prevention and cure, and their SafeBars Project provides training to staff in establishments that serve liquor so that they can recognize and respond to sexual harassment and potential assault incidents. The club has provided funding for several years to continue this important training effort.

The club also had a proclamation entitled, “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women and Girls,” read and adopted at the Denver City Council meeting to support the Zonta Says NO campaign. District 4’s City Councilwoman read the proclamation, and several club members attended to receive it after the meeting.

Zonta Club Kathmandu conducts Zonta Says NO awareness program for students

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The Zonta Club Kathmandu, Nepal, organized an awareness program in association with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Nepal Police, and Ncell as part of its 16 Days Activism on Gender-Based Violence program on 10 December 10 at St. Mary’s High School, Lalitpur. The chief guest of the event was AIG Kiran Bajracharya.

The event saw the participation of around 800 students from Sanskrit Madhyamik Bidhyalaya, Bhanu Madhyamik Bidhyalaya, Nepal Adarsha Madhyamik Bidhyalaya, Himalaya Madhyamik Bidhyalaya, St. Mary’s High School and Mary Ward School. The club provided a skit that raised the different issues faced by women. Inspector Shanta Lama from the CIB Nepal Police shared information about law and crime, while Yashmine Bhattarai from Ncell shared information on cybersecurity.

Zonta Club of Pokhara says NO with multiple actions

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The Zonta Club of Pokhara, Nepal, passionately orchestrated impactful events as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which is dedicated to ending gender-based violence.

The campaign started with a compelling digital video display on the first day, 15 November, at Mulmi Enterprises, Pokhara. The club showcased engaging visuals and powerful messages on large LED screens, captivating the community’s attention. The display served as a striking introduction, raising awareness about the urgent need to unite against gender-based violence.

Following the digital display, on 4 December, the club held its “Ride to Rise- Let’s Ride for a Cause” scooter rally covering a dynamic 5-kilometer route through the heart of Pokhara. The chief general secretary of Gandaki Pradesh, Lakshmi Kumari Basnet, graced the event along with many passionate activists and members. Eager participants, especially active youths, joined the cause and pledged to unite, invest and prevent violence against women and girls. The rally symbolized unity and highlighted the importance of actively participating in the journey towards a safer, violence-free world.

Diversifying the approach, the club conducted cybercrime awareness advocacy on four campuses. The club addressed the growing concern of cyber-related violence through interactive sessions, informative presentations and engaging discussions. Empowering students with knowledge and strategies to combat cybercrime was a pivotal aspect of this initiative.

The club’s 16 Days of Activism campaign events successfully blended digital outreach, community engagement, and educational advocacy. The club remains dedicated to fostering positive change in the community and advocating for a future free from violence.

Zonta Club of Lafayette brings Zonta Says NO awareness with yard and window signs

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The Zonta Club of Lafayette, USA, spread awareness of the Zonta Says NO and 16 Days of Activism campaigns by creating yard and window signs and decorating a Christmas tree at a public park.

Yard and Window signs

The club posted orange Zonta Says NO yard and window signs at homes and businesses. They also discussed and shared their Zonta Says NO advocacy goals and literature with many of their Zonta friends, who displayed the signs at their homes and offices in Lafayette, LA, surrounding cities and states to support the Zonta Says NO to Violence against Women and 16 Days of Advocacy campaigns!

Club members took pictures for each of the 16 Days to post on the club’s Facebook page. Many Zontians and Friends read and shared our posts to spread awareness. 

Christmas tree

On 25 November, the club decorated a Zonta Says NO Christmas tree at the public Parc International Park in Lafayette. They sent an email with a picture of their tree, asking Zontians and friends to vote for it as the best.

This project helped the club bring awareness to Zonta and their projects. At their monthly meeting on 4 December, they discussed Zonta Says NO information and took a group picture holding their window signs.

On the 16th Day of Advocacy, the club posted a composite of all their displayed yard and window sign locations on their Facebook page. 

Kaohsiung American School: Zonta Says NO To Violence Against Women Promotion Video

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To advocate for the “Zonta says NO to violence against women” campaign, Kaohsiung American School Zonta Club hosted a week of on-campus awareness campaign.

An email was sent to the entire KAS high school to inform them of this event, including the cause and aim.

Throughout the week, Zonta Club executives and members filmed video clips of students, teachers, and staffs.

The most creative and powerful ones were chosen and made into a promotion video that we then posted on our Instagram account.

By doing so, we hope to spread awareness of violence against women by letting everyone feel personally engaged to this campaign.