Front Row: Edie Barans, Janesville; Nancy Abraham, Madison; Barbara Burchfield, Madison; Pam Duane, Madison; Cathy Myers, Janesville; Edna Feldman-Schultz, Janesville; Sally Bean, E-Club of USA3. Back Row: Lori Hanewold, Janesville; Laura Curtiss, Madison; Amber Vaughn Glass, Janesville; Rep Clint Anderson, D-Beloit; Sen Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit; JoAnn Gruber-Hagen, Madison; Debora Hoard, Madison; Gail Zaleski, E-Club of USA3. Missing from picture: Ellen Ermer, Madison; Fatou Ceesay, Madison; Donna Conant, Milwaukee; Donna Neal, Milwaukee.
On 18 November, members of the Zonta Clubs of Janesville, Madison, Milwaukee and the e-Club of USA 3 gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol for a coordinated Lobby Day focused on ending child marriage and supporting the Wisconsin Equal Rights Amendment (WI ERA). Zontians secured 30 scheduled appointments with legislators and staff, engaging in productive conversations about the Child Marriage Bill (AB 656/SB 634) and the need to strengthen legal protections for women and girls.
For lawmakers without scheduled appointments, Zontians visited offices to speak with staffers briefly and provide informational materials. Advocacy packets included summaries of both legislative issues and a small symbolic pillow featuring wedding rings and a business card with a QR code linking to more details about the child marriage issue.
The lobby effort produced additional co-sponsors signing onto the Child Marriage Bill. Zontians are now developing a follow-up plan, including a targeted social media campaign encouraging constituents in key districts to contact their representatives. Members also plan to mobilize friends and allies living in those areas to amplify posts and make supportive calls.
As part of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, members of the Zonta Club Montevideo, Uruguay, Board appeared on a local morning television program to raise awareness about gender-based violence and highlight Zonta’s mission to build a better world for women and girls.
During the segment, board members introduced Zonta International, shared the club’s story and spoke about the ongoing challenges women face globally and locally. When asked about the issues still needing to be addressed at the global and local levels, they explained the significance of the 16 Days of Activism. They outlined how the Zonta Says NO campaign is implemented both in Uruguay and by clubs worldwide from 25 November to 10 December.
The program featured slides displaying the Zonta Montevideo logo and key statistics on domestic violence, helping viewers understand the urgency of the issue. Following the broadcast, the club received numerous phone calls and emails from community members seeking more information about Zonta’s mission.
On 9 December, members of Zonta Club of the New Territories, Hong Kong, came together at Causeway Bay – Paterson Street to volunteer at the “Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery” mobile art exhibition, supporting Po Leung Kuk’s meaningful mission to raise awareness about domestic violence and promote healthier, happier families.
From helping at the interactive zones to greeting visitors and sharing information about support services, Zontians proudly showed what community care looks like. Every conversation, every smile, and every moment of support helped make a difference.
Leadership thanks the dedicated members for giving their time and hearts to the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign.
On 8 December, 2025, seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong — Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Zonta Club of Kowloon, Zonta Club of Hong Kong East, Zonta Club of The New Territories, Zonta Club of Victoria Hong Kong, Zonta Club of Hong Kong II, and Zonta Club of The New Territories II— joined forces to support the Po Leung Kuk’s mobile art exhibition “Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery”, which aims to educate the community about domestic violence and related family crisis support services. This event played a key part of this year’s “16 Days of Activism” under the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign.
Zonta International District 17 Governor Mrs. Winnie Wong, Zonta International District 17 Area 2 Director Ms. Thelma Tong, presidents of the seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong, and the Chairman of Po Leung Kuk Ms. Amanda Ho, JP were all in attendance at the launch.
Wong stated in her address, “Today, Zonta International and the seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong are delighted to support the Po Leung Kuk’s ‘Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery’ mobile art exhibition, which aims to raise public awareness about domestic violence. Zonta is committed to advancing the status of women through service and advocacy. The annual ‘Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women’ campaign and its ‘16 Days of Activism’, which begins on the United Nation’s (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November and concludes on the UN’s International Human Rights Day on 10 December, are aligned with the UN’s call to mobilise all sectors of society in support of gender equality and women’s rights.”
Chairman of Po Leung Kuk Ms Amanda Ho, JP, explained that through the voices and stories of victims of domestic abuse, the exhibition highlights that domestic violence often lies hidden within everyday life. The courage and transformation of every survivor deserve to be heard and supported by everyone. Through the exhibition, which also highlights the Po Leung Kuk’s support services, the Po Leung Kuk not only walks alongside affected families but also aims to show how to build healthier and happier families.
The “Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery” mobile art exhibition vehicle will tour Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories from 8 to 14 December, including stops in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Mong Kok, Wong Tai Sin, Tai Wai and Tsuen Wan. Entry is free of charge.
The exhibition features interactive experience zones, allowing visitors to understand the reality of domestic violence and the possibility of transforming “violence” into “love”. This includes “The True Stories of Seven Weapons”, through activities and personal stories, inspires visitors to build positive family relationships.
Day 9 — Medical and Law School Debate: United to End Digital Violence As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, hosted the 1st Medical & Law School Debate 2025 at Robinsons Mall Tuguegarao. With the theme “United to End Digital Violence Against Women,” the event brought together future legal and medical professionals in a public forum that emphasized gender equality, human rights and the urgent need to combat online violence targeting women and girls.
Day 10 — A Call to Action Against Human Trafficking and Digital Exploitation On Day 10, the club urged members, government partners, civil society and the community to take bold, urgent action to address climate-related violence and digital exploitation. The club underscored that climate change is not gender-neutral and that environmental crises deepen risks for women and girls. The club reaffirmed its stance against human trafficking and the online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) and CSAEM, advocating for survivor-centered justice, stronger policies and community accountability. The message emphasized that every Filipino life—online or offline—has dignity beyond price.
Day 11 — Day of Solidarity With Survivors The club devoted Day 11 to honoring survivors of violence against women, including those whose stories remain unspoken due to stigma or fear. The club emphasized that all experiences of violence deserve recognition and support, and highlighted available pathways for protection, intervention and justice. The club reaffirmed its message that violence in all forms is unacceptable and that collective action is essential. “Enough is enough,” the club declared.
Day 12 — Day of Student Engagement and Z Club Induction In Peñablanca, Cagayan, the club gathered 100 students from Peñablanca East National High School for the Day of Student Engagement, which included the induction of new Z Club officers and an orientation on student leadership. Inspirational and educational sessions followed, including HIV awareness, mental health, and legal discussions on Anti-OSAE/CSAEM. A blessing and turnover ceremony also marked the renovation of the Zonta Dorm, upgraded with new furnishings and improved facilities to support young women from distant barangays.
Day 13 — Community Outreach for Vulnerable Families On Day 13, the club conducted an outreach activity in Barangays Battung and Barancuag in Tuao, providing essential rice, beddings, household items and food supplies to 60 solo parents and senior citizens, as well as school supplies to 40 students. The activity was supported by club members, local government partners and donors. The Committee on Environment also conducted an ocular inspection of recent flooding in the area, underscoring the club’s commitment to climate justice and disaster preparedness. The outreach affirmed the club’s mission to support marginalized and disaster-affected communities, especially women and children.
Day 14 — Tree-Growing at Zonta Forest and Garden The Zonta club, together with the Cagayan Valley Medical Center Finance Division and the Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District, carried out a tree-growing activity at the Zonta Forest and Garden in Peñablanca as part of the Day of Community. Established in 2021 through a watershed partnership, the five-hectare area now holds more than 15,000 trees and serves as the club’s flagship climate justice initiative. The activity emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental protection and the fight against gender-based violence, as climate-related disasters disproportionately affect women and girls.
Day 15 — Livelihood Outreach for Women PDLs On Day 15, the Zonta club, in partnership with the Golden Z Club of CSU Andrews Campus and the Finance Department of CVMC, conducted a livelihood outreach program for 25 female Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the BJMP Female Dormitory in Cataggamman Nuevo. The activity included the donation of used clothing for rug-making, hygiene kits from the Golden Z Club, and a gift exchange after a caroling tribute from the PDLs. Inspirational messages emphasized dignity, skill-building and service as tools for empowerment. The effort aligned with Zonta’s global call to support vulnerable women through meaningful community action.
Day 16 — Tropical Christmas Gathering and Day of Reflection The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao concluded the 16 Days campaign with its Tropical Christmas Gathering, which featured the Day of Reflection and the induction of new members. President Josefina T. Sedano led the program, encouraging sustained advocacy and unity in championing women’s rights. Twelve women professionals were inducted, strengthening the club’s capacity for future service and advocacy. Committees presented updates and outstanding members were recognized. Area Director Racquel C. Reyes-Aglaua delivered the Christmas Message, emphasizing collective leadership in eliminating gender-based violence. The evening ended with fellowship, games and celebration.
Representation at OFW Family Day and Marilag AwardsandRecognition from the Philippine Red Cross Vice President Atty. Maria Milagros N. Fernan-Cayosa represented the club at the 2025 OFW Family Day and served as a judge for the Regional Marilag Awards, which honor former OFWs who champion women’s welfare and community service. In her remarks, she highlighted the significance of 10 December as the culmination of the 16 Days campaign and reaffirmed Zonta’s advocacy for dignity and empowerment.
On the same day, the club received two major recognitions from the Philippine Red Cross Cagayan Chapter: a Certificate of Appreciation and a Diploma of Service for its continued support for the voluntary blood donation program and contribution to collecting over 200 units of blood in two years. The club’s blood program coordinators were also honored individually. The timing of these awards—on Human Rights Day and the final day of the 16 Days campaign—reinforced the club’s commitment to humanitarian service, community welfare and the protection of women and girls.
Day 1 — Launching the 16 Days of Activism The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, officially launched the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign on 25 November, marking the Day of Envisioning and the start of advocacy activities running through 10 December. The day began with an Eucharistic celebration at St. Peter Metropolitan Cathedral, followed by a motorcade to SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown. There, the club unveiled its Zonta Says NO Orange Booth, an interactive advocacy hub featuring themed nooks for various campaign observances, including the Day of Orange and the Day of Remembrance. Members wore orange to symbolize solidarity with the global movement. The booth will serve as a public engagement space throughout the campaign.
Day 2 — Leadership and Day of Knowledge On 26 November, the club conducted the induction of new officers of the Golden Z Club of Cagayan State University–Andrews Campus under the theme “LEAD: Leaders Embracing Active Dedication.” The event combined leadership development with awareness-raising on women’s health and legal issues. President Josefina Sedano emphasized service, advocacy and the role of Z Clubs in empowering women. Following the induction, students attended lectures on HIV awareness delivered by Licensed HIV Counselor Princess Melanie L. Catriz and on the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act presented by Atty. Cecilla Melad-Lazaro. The program strengthened the club’s efforts to expand advocacy networks by engaging youth and educating them on critical issues.
Day 3 — Day of Orange: Lighting the Tree of Hope The club marked Day 3 with the Day of Orange and the lighting of the Orange Tree of Hope at SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown. Members, advocates and mall visitors gathered for the ceremonial illumination of the symbolic tree, designed to represent hope and a future free from violence. The installation served as a visual reminder of community commitment and encouraged public participation in the 16-day observance.
Day 4 — Day of Giving: Support for Children with Disabilities On 28 November, the club dedicated the Day of Giving to supporting 41 children with neurodevelopmental disorders at the Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center–Tuguegarao City People’s General Hospital. The club provided TENS machines, therapeutic toys, dental kits, groceries and fluoride applications. Club President Sedano noted the connection between this service and gender-based violence prevention, highlighting that easing the burden on caregivers—often women—helps mitigate factors that increase domestic violence risks. A simple meal uplifted beneficiaries, reinforcing the club’s commitment to serving the most vulnerable.
Day 5 — Mirror and Play: Advocacy Videos on Child Protection Laws For Day 5, the club shared advocacy videos from the Philippine Commission on Women’s Digital GAD Library on the Anti-OSAEC Law (RA 11930). These films, produced through a partnership between PCW and the DDB Group Philippines, highlighted the severity of child abuse in the country, revealing that one in 100 Filipino children endures abuse. Inspired by true stories, the videos aimed to move viewers toward reflection and action.
Day 6 — Day of Remembrance On Day 6, the club held a solemn ceremony honoring women, advocates and community members who contributed to the fight against gender-based violence. Participants wrote personal tributes on message leaves placed on a Remembrance Board, then hung them on the Orange Tree of Hope. The candlelighting offered a moment of reflection for victims and survivors.
Day 7 — Day of Allyship: Dance With Purpose The Zonta club marked the Day of Allyship with “Dance with Purpose,” a community Zumba event at SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown. The activity drew 105 participants from fitness groups, youth communities and advocacy organizations. Zumba leaders from Tuguegarao and neighboring cities energized the event, underscoring allyship as a collective responsibility of women and men working together. Snacks, raffle prizes and venue support enhanced the experience.
Day 8 — Advocacy Through Leadership and Scholarship On Day 8, Club Vice President and Club President-elect Dean Maria Milagros Fernan-Cayosa served as a guest speaker at the Cagayan State University’s Gender and Development Seminar: Women in Politics. Her lecture emphasized intersectionality and the need for inclusive, diverse leadership to advance gender justice. She highlighted the club’s mentoring programs, including support for students at Penablanca East National High School dormitory and training initiatives with the Golden Z Club. She urged students to recognize and address systemic barriers faced by women leaders.
The Zonta Club of Greater Queens, USA, expanded the reach of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign by holding signs throughout New York City to raise awareness of gender-based violence.
As the final program of the global UNiTE to End Violence Against Women Campaign, the Zonta Club Kathmandu, Nepal, in partnership with the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, hosted a cybercrime awareness event on 10 December for representatives from corporate organizations. DIG Nabindra Aryal of Nepal Police attended as the chief guest.
In her opening remarks, Club President Bina Rana introduced Zonta International and the Zonta Club Kathmandu, reaffirming the organization’s mission to empower women through advocacy and service. VAW Committee Chair Shreeyukta Thapaliya emphasized that each year, through the Zonta Says No campaign, the club works to raise awareness, engage communities and take action to end violence against women and girls.
SP Deepak Raj Awasthi of the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau delivered a presentation titled Inside the Digital Battlefield, focusing on cybercrime trends and cyber safety for all users. Legal expert Shiivali Joshi followed with a briefing on digital violence and practical steps for seeking legal remedies. Former District 25 Governor Shreejana Rana offered special remarks reinforcing Zonta’s long-standing commitment to advocacy.
As the 16 Days of Activism campaign drew to a close, participants—including Zontians, corporate leaders, legal professionals and law-enforcement officials—renewed their commitment to fostering safer digital spaces, particularly in the workplace. Attendees stressed the importance of strong policies, accountability and continued collaboration with the Cyber Bureau and legal experts to prevent and respond to digital violence.
A central message echoed throughout the event: ending digital violence requires collective responsibility from families, schools, corporations, law-enforcement agencies and civil society. Advocacy Committee Chair Neelima Shrestha delivered the vote of thanks.
The Zonta Club of Makati Legaspi, Philippines, in collaboration with INDI Heritage Socks PH, joined the global 16 Days of Activism campaign by hosting a heritage tour in Intramuros. The activity included visits to Fort Santiago and the Rizal Museum, where participants reflected on the final days of Dr. José Rizal and the influential women in his life. Members of the Angel John Integrated Academy Z Club also participated, bringing youthful engagement and curiosity to the event.
The heritage tour served not only as a cultural learning experience but also as a fundraising initiative. Proceeds will support Bethany Children’s Home, extending the advocacy beyond the walls of Intramuros to benefit programs focused on foster care, child healing and family support.
The activity highlighted the importance of connecting history, advocacy and community action. Revisiting the narratives of Rizal’s mother and sisters underscored the crucial roles women have played in shaping Philippine history—an important reminder in the fight against gender-based violence. The partnership with INDI Heritage Socks PH also demonstrated how creative collaborations can expand Zonta’s visibility and strengthen alliances rooted in cultural appreciation and social impact.
In line with the global observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs Foundation, Inc, Philippines, conducted a Birth Registration Awareness Program titled “Sa Ngalan ng Ina: Legal Identity and the Rights of Women” at Don Bosco TVET–Makati. The initiative highlighted the crucial role of legal identity in protecting women’s and children’s rights and in ensuring access to education, healthcare, and social services.
The program began with the welcome remarks of Club President Joanne Zapanta Andrada, who emphasized the importance of empowering communities with accurate information and accessible pathways to official documentation. The event was hosted by Atty. Ina Magpale and Atty. Ivi Valera, who introduced the theme and engaged participants through interactive discussions.
A keynote address was delivered by Ms. Lucena “Luchi” M. Flores, National President of the Philippine Association of Civil Registrars and City Civil Registrar of Caloocan. Flores discussed the legal foundations of birth registration, requirements and procedures, late registration guidelines, and consequences of lacking a birth certificate. She also presented available government programs that offer free or assisted civil registration.
Participants raised various concerns during the open forum and Q&A, many of which related to documentation errors, lack of records, and challenges in accessing government services. A video storytelling segment further illustrated the real-life difficulties encountered by individuals without legal identity documents.
As part of its continuing advocacy, the club identified 10 participants who will receive focused assistance for birth registration or correction of entries. These individuals underwent initial profiling during the event and will be referred to appropriate government offices and partner organizations for further processing.
The program concluded with a call to action encouraging the community to pursue proper documentation, assert their rights, and share information that could help protect other women and children from vulnerabilities linked to the lack of legal identity. Certificates and tokens of appreciation were also presented to the guest speaker and partner contributors.
Through this initiative, the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs reinforces its commitment to advancing women’s rights and ensuring that all individuals—especially mothers and children—have access to legal identity and the opportunities it enables.
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