On 25 November, the Zonta Club of Accra Jubilee, Ghana, officially launched the global 16 Days of Activism campaign. The ceremony, a powerful display of unity and hope, saw the National Theatre of Ghana illuminated in brilliant orange, symbolizing the urgent need to eradicate Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The lighting event, now in its third year, brought together critical development allies, including representatives from UN Women and CEGENSA, emphasizing that the fight for women’s safety requires collective partnership across all sectors.

While GBV is a longstanding human rights violation, the digital era has created new avenues for abuse. This year’s global theme—“UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls”—addresses the increasing prevalence of online harassment, cyberstalking, digital exploitation and hate speech targeting women and girls. With nearly one in three women worldwide experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes, the rise of digital threats further impacts mental health, economic participation and freedom of expression.

District 18 Governor Opeibea Omaboe centered her keynote address on this digital urgency, reaffirming Zonta’s commitment to informed advocacy and collective action. She emphasized that combating digital violence requires a unified and vigilant response.

The Zonta Club of Accra Jubilee has long championed the rights of women and children in Ghana. In alignment with this year’s theme, the club is expanding its efforts to strengthen digital resilience at the community level. This includes adopting the Chorkor Girls School in Accra to promote digital literacy and online safety awareness. The club continues to elevate survivors’ voices while advocating for stronger legal protections and enhanced accountability across online platforms.

The club also called for more decisive action from state institutions. While acknowledging the efforts of the Ministry of Gender, Women and Social Protection, the club urged greater digital visibility and proactive engagement. It also called for coordinated action with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General to close critical gaps in preventing, protecting and prosecuting cyber-related violence. These include updating laws to address digital forms of abuse, equipping law enforcement for cyber-investigation and improving decentralized support systems for victims.

As the 16 Days of Activism continue, the orange illumination of the National Theatre stands as a reminder of the shared responsibility among government, tech actors, media and civil society. The Zonta Club of Accra Jubilee hopes it will spark meaningful conversation, legislative progress and a collective commitment to building a safer, more inclusive digital world where women and girls are protected, respected and able to participate without fear.

On 10 December, International Human Rights Day, the Zonta Club of Hsinchu, Taiwan, successfully held the charter ceremony for the Yuanpei Golden Z Club, along with the launch of the “Say NO to Violence” advocacy campaign. Nearly 100 guests attended the event, including Corazon Padiernos, MECO and Resident Representative to Taiwan; Huang Hsiao-Ling, vice president of Yuanpei University of Medical Technology; Wei Hsing-Wen, deputy director of the Social Affairs Department of the Hsinchu City Government; Zonta International Director Vivienne Shen; District 31 Governor-Elect Nieh Hui-Ju; and District 31 Lieutenant Governor-Elect Yen Ching-Hui. Their presence underscored the importance of this milestone occasion. The gathering concluded with the powerful message of the “Say NO to Violence” initiative.

In her remarks, Ada Lin, President of the Zonta Club of Hsinchu, stated that the Yuanpei Golden Z Club is the first all-English youth club established in District 31. This is not only a significant milestone for Zonta but also a moment of celebration for all young people present. She emphasized that the participation of youth sends a clear message, regardless of nationality, language, or background, the younger generation shares a common aspiration: to build a better world, especially in terms of advancing the rights of women, society, and the next generation.

Corazon Padiernos, Representative of the Philippines in Taiwan and former president of the Zonta Club of Velleverde, encouraged the young members to speak up for women, participate in advocacy, and promote social change. Zonta International DirectorVivienne Shen also noted that establishing a Golden Z Club is an important way for Zonta to invest in the future by cultivating young leaders. She shared five key benefits that joining a Golden Z Club can bring to students to help them grow and develop.

Hsiao-Ling Huang, VP of Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, expressed her congratulations on the establishment of the youth club. Wei Hsing-Wen, Deputy Director of the Hsinchu City Government Social Affairs Department, praised the Zonta Club of Hsinchu for its long-term contributions to women’s and children’s welfare and recognized the club’s ongoing efforts in related issues.

The newly chartered Yuanpei Golden Z Club consists of 24 members, all students from the Philippines, including both male and female members. Most are freshmen or sophomores at Yuanpei University of Medical Technology, majoring in biotechnology or nursing-related fields. At the end of the event, the young members introduced themselves, showcasing not only their vibrant personalities but also their wide range of interests, leaving guests excited and hopeful about the bright futures of these young leaders.

This ceremony was not only the official chartering of the Yuanpei Golden Z Club but also a symbolic moment, representing the rise of youth power and global attention to women’s rights and human rights. The Zonta Club of Hsinchu will continue to work hand in hand with the Yuanpei Golden Z Club to build a better world for women and girls.

The Zonta Club of Atlántico Sur, Uruguay, marked the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a series of impactful initiatives across Maldonado, Uruguay. The club expanded its network of orange benches—a powerful regional symbol of remembrance and advocacy—while also mobilizing the community through cultural, educational and media-driven events.

The club presented the theater play “From Caterpillar to Butterfly,” depicting the transformation and healing journey of a woman who experienced gender-based violence. The performance was followed by a community forum.

The club also launched its YouTube podcast “Inspiring Stories,” featuring interviews with three distinguished Uruguayan women: a parliamentarian, a Dakar Rally racer and the director of the local public hospital. Each episode highlighted personal journeys, leadership and resilience. Strong media coverage helped amplify the club’s advocacy efforts.

Gender-based violence in Uruguay remains a severe and persistent issue, with high levels of physical, sexual and psychological abuse. The country faces some of the highest rates in the region, underscoring the urgent need for sustained action. Initiatives like those led by Zonta are critical in raising awareness, inspiring dialogue and calling for meaningful change.

MANKATO — When Sesamae Riquelme of Mankato was sexually assaulted in August, she initially confided only in her best friend. Days later, she reported the assault to law enforcement.

“The only reason I reported my assault was because my best friend said if I don’t, he could go out and do it to someone else,” she said about the incident, which did not occur in Mankato. “So I only went in so he wouldn’t do it to someone else.”

The full-time South Central College student is sharing her story to highlight violence against women, adding “it can happen to anyone.” She’s vice president of the Zonta Club of Mankato, which strives to make lives better for women and girls.

Zonta is hosting a candlelight vigil 6 p.m. Saturday in tribute to the lives impacted and lost to violence against women. The vigil is at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 150 Stadium Court.

“We want it to be a place and time where the community can reflect and pay tribute to lives impacted and lost to violence against women,” Riquelme said. “We are standing in solidarity for change and to show, as a community, that we care. There are people out there who know women don’t deserve to live in a society where gender-based violence is relevant.”

She expects the Zonta Club will draw about 50 people to the candlelight vigil.

“I want to make it that the vigil is also an OK, safe space for people to go and get support and be able to express their emotions,” she said. “There are organizations in the community that are trying and working hard to make it a better place for women and girls.”

As a sexual assault victim, Riquelme said people need to know that sexual violence against women is all too common. Even if people don’t realize it, they likely know at least one person who is a victim and “who has gone through this. It’s here in our community,” she said. “We need to be looking out for young women and women in our community and have grace for survivors.”

She added “it’s not an easy road,” saying “it’s harder than you think.”

“There’s resources out there and we want girls to continue to keep talking and not hold it in,” she said. “It changed my perspective. Even after the initial assault is over, the path afterwards is as traumatizing and painful as the initial attack. I never expected to be that person who I was advocating for. I didn’t expect to know that this happens way more often than we think it does.”

Some victims, she said, go into shock after their sexual assault. Unfortunately, it’s the responsibility of victims to “do all the heavy work. We’re in this mindset that as victims we’re supposed to keep going and pretend it’s OK because of what kind of crime it was.

If you saw your friend get in a car accident and they’re bruised for weeks and have physical damage for months, you want them to take it easy. But because of the type of crime against us, it’s kind of, like, hushed. And you’re supposed to keep moving forward.”

Ruth Harms, president of the Zonta Club, said in 2023 there were more than 51,000 women killed by intimate partners across the globe. “That is 51,000 people too many,” she said.

She hopes to see good community support at the candlelight vigil.

“We’re just trying to get the word out to help people understand we want more community involvement,” Harms said. “We would like to get more involvement from local industries and local government. We want people to recognize that these are matters that need to be addressed.

“And it’s not only local,” she said. “We need people to learn to support one another and help those who are victims to have the courage to come forward.”

Zonta International, a leading global service and advocacy organization active in 64 countries, envisions a world where no woman or girl lives in fear of violence.

With more than 25,000 members in 1,093 clubs, Zonta works tirelessly to build a better world for women and girls. Each year, Zonta Clubs worldwide participate in the Zonta Says NO to Violence against Women campaign, part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).

“Women’s rights are human rights,” says Judith Ainsworth, leader of Zonta Club in the Kanata-Stittsville area. “This year, the Kanata-Stittsville community took a meaningful step toward change by focusing on allyship with boys and men.”

As part of the local 2025 Zonta Says NO campaign, members of the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) partnered with the Zonta Club, linking arms to show solidarity and support.

The partnership reflects the shared commitment of OPS and Zonta to the safety and security of the community. Police officers play a critical role in addressing domestic violence and abuse, and this campaign offered an opportunity to publicly reinforce that commitment.

At the Huntmar station, club Zontians joined officers for a photo with the Zonta Says NO banner. Present were Inspector Isabelle Lemieux, OPS support dog Cindy, Acting Staff Sergeant Andrew Pidcock, Sergeant John Drader, and Constable Darren Joseph, all proudly standing together to send a clear message: violence against women will not be tolerated.

Also part of the picture is Kristy Taylor, Operations Manager with Shelter Movers in Ottawa. A volunteer-powered organization, Shelter Movers is referral-based and supports people leaving situations of violence with free moving and storage services. “We want to take away some of the stress involved in someone’s decision to leave,” Kristy says. “In high-risk situations, we call on the Ottawa Police for support and they will be present with us during a move.”

“We support approximately 20 moves a month,” Kristy explains. “We work with about 45 partners in the greater Ottawa area and on the Quebec side as well. We are always looking for dedicated volunteers.”

By coming together, the OPS, Shelter Movers, and Zonta Club of Kanata-Stittsville demonstrate that community safety and gender equality are shared responsibilities, and meaningful change happens when organizations with similar missions come together.