On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 9 a.m. on the steps of the Burbank Police Department, the Zonta Club of Burbank Area will hold a March Against Gender Violence to support the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign.
Zonta Club of Burbank Area (zontaburbank.org) is a member of Zonta International, a leading global organization of more than 26,000 members worldwide dedicated to building a better world for women and girls. Zonta International’s more than 1,100 clubs in 64 countries are participating in this campaign in their local communities to raise awareness of and increase actions to end violence against women and girls around the world through service and advocacy.
During the 16 Days of Activism, which starts Nov. 25 on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day, we unite our voices to demand a world free from gender-based violence. Together, we stand with survivors, challenge harmful norms, and commit to building safer, more just communities where everyone can live with dignity and without fear.
Globally, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner.
Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive human rights violations.
Enough is enough! Women cannot, and should not have to, fight for safety from violence. While much has been achieved since 1919, women’s rights are under siege again. California’s current marriage law as it pertains to children is unconscionable and a violation of human rights. Zonta Club of Burbank Area has held forums to educate the community on human trafficking, lobbies Sacramento to set a floor of 18 years of age to marry and is active on the Burbank Domestic Violence Taskforce. According to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, “New technologies such as AI are creating the conditions to allow new platforms for violence and abuse, normalizing misogyny and online revenge.”
Violence against women and girls is a complex issue and is perpetuated in many ways. We cannot solve this issue alone. Please join us in saying NO to gender violence on Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. on the steps of the Burbank Police Department.
As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, Philippines, continued its powerful advocacy through a series of themed actions designed to educate, support, mobilize, and uplift the community. Days 7–15 highlighted key pillars of the movement, reminding the public that ending violence requires collective commitment.
Day 7: ALLYSHIP
Day 7 underscored the vital role of allyship in ending gender-based violence, emphasizing that men must stand as partners in advocacy. The club dedicated the day to promoting the HeForShe movement, calling on men to serve not merely as supporters but as active champions of women’s rights and safety.
Unlike earlier days with on-site activities, Day 7 unfolded through a digital wave of solidarity. Zonta Joes, husbands of club members, and male representatives from partner agencies submitted photos wearing orange, symbolizing unity and accountability. LGU Lal-lo’s PROJECT PEDAL cycling community also joined the call, demonstrating that advocacy thrives wherever people unite with purpose.
The messages shared captured the spirit of the initiative: “Ending violence against women is everyone’s responsibility,” wrote Arch. Michael Arroyo. Another participant added that being an ally requires speaking up and showing respect every day.
Day 8: GIVING
Day 8 showcased the power of giving through “Zisterly Support,” reminding the community that generosity can bring dignity, safety, and hope. The Zonta club extended relief to 273 families affected by Typhoon Uwan in Barangay Barancuag, Tuao.
The distribution included 273 foam mattresses, benefiting an estimated 819 individuals, along with clothing for women and girls and essential medicines for vulnerable residents. The initiative was made possible through donations from the club members, Farmacia M, and Batch ’89 Civil Engineering – USLT under the leadership of Club President Liza Mora-Arroyo.
Day 8 affirmed that advocacy is not only spoken or posted; it is also shared through meaningful acts of compassion.
Day 9: KNOWLEDGE
Day 9 highlighted Knowledge as a critical tool for empowerment. The Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, together with LGU Lal-lo and led by Vice Mayor Maria Olivia B. Pascual, organized an orientation-workshop on handling VAWC cases, anti-trafficking laws, and online sexual exploitation of children.
Zontians Atty. Rowena Donato and Atty. Desiree Garcia provided detailed guidance on legal frameworks and protection measures, helping participants understand how to act effectively in real situations. Vice Mayor Pascual shared the story of a courageous survivor to remind women of their strength and their right to seek help.
Certificates were awarded to Z Club members, barangay volunteers, and guidance counselors, recognizing their commitment to building a safer community.
Day 10: TRIBUTE
Day 10 honored the resilience of survivors through a tribute titled “Voices from the Valley: Tribute to Survivors of Gender-Based Violence.” The Z Club of Lal-lo NHS presented a moving performance of the song Rise, symbolizing strength, healing, and hope.
Supported by the club, LGU Lal-lo, and Z Club advisers, the performance highlighted the meaningful role of youth in advocacy and the power of art to amplify awareness. Day 10 underscored that honoring survivors is essential to fostering a culture of respect and empowerment.
Day 11: SERVICE
Day 11 emphasized Service as a tangible expression of advocacy. The Zonta club offered free dermatological consultations to 78 students and faculty at CSU Carig Campus.
Initiated by Dr. Trician T. Villarosa and supported by BCP Dermatological Corp., the activity was led by Dr. Evelyn Guzman and fellow Zontian doctors and health professionals. Participants received medical assessments, skincare guidance, and necessary medication.
The day demonstrated that promoting health and confidence, especially among women and girls, is a vital step toward empowerment and safety.
Day 12: DISCUSSION
Day 12 focused on Discussion as a means of strengthening awareness and community engagement. The club facilitated a dialogue on dermatological health, hygiene, and the connection to a violence-free community at CSU Carig Campus.
Led by Dr. Evelyn Guzman and Zontian health professionals, the session explored how self-care builds confidence, resilience, and self-respect—traits essential in preventing violence and fostering empowerment.
Day 12 revealed that meaningful dialogue is a cornerstone of effective advocacy.
Day 13: LISTENING
Day 13 highlighted the importance of listening as an act of support and dignity. The club officers and members visited the BJMP Female Dormitory in Tuguegarao City to hear the stories and needs of women deprived of liberty.
Zontians provided legal consultations through Atty. Venus Saquing and Atty. Mari-Ann Bayle and dermatological services through Dr. Evelyn Puzon-Guzman. The visit, led by Club President Liza Mora Arroyo, reaffirmed the club’s commitment to compassionate, meaningful service.
Day 13 reminded the community that every woman’s voice deserves recognition, respect, and understanding.
Day 14: OUTREACH — HUGZ OF HOPE
Day 14 featured Outreach through the “HugZ of Hope” project, conceptualized by Vice Mayor Olive Pascual. Held in partnership with the Tuguegarao City Government’s “MAI SPECIAL LOVE” program, the initiative brought joy to children with special needs and their families.
The club distributed toys and fruits while the city government provided free developmental pediatric consultations. Through LGU Lal-lo, the Z Club of Lal-lo NHS, and generous donors, the initiative also reached orphans and sick children across Cagayan.
Day 14 reminded participants that advocacy is expressed not only through education and policy but also through warmth, kindness, and presence.
Day 15: GLOBAL ISSUES
Day 15 explored the profound connection between global crises and violence against women and girls. Club member Dr. Trician T. Villarosa delivered an audio-visual lecture illustrating how climate change, conflict, economic hardship, and technological harm disproportionately affect women.
The presentation highlighted real stories: child marriage driven by climate-related poverty, trafficking fueled by instability, tech-facilitated stalking, threats to Indigenous advocates, and exploitation faced by refugees. These narratives demonstrated that violence is both a cause and a consequence of global disruption.
Day 15 underscored that solutions must be rooted in both local action and global understanding to create lasting change.
The Zonta Club of Hualien, Taiwan, concluded its 16 Days of Activism initiative with a vibrant anniversary celebration that underscored the community’s collective commitment to ending violence. Throughout the campaign, the club invited the mayor of Hualien City and the mayor of Ji’an Township to join in the call to say NO to violence, while also engaging local communities, gyms and musicians in spreading the message.
10 December, Human Rights Day, marked the final day of the initiative. Club President Li Pingpeng said she was proud that Zonta members upheld the spirit of the campaign through meaningful action and shared their advocacy widely on Facebook and local media platforms.
The Zonta Club of Bologna Due Torri, Italy, recognized Paola Samoggia, an international composer and musician, who imbues her music with significant artistic and social meaning. In her compositions, she has addressed themes such as workplace deaths and poverty. She composed the music for the multimedia chamber opera “27 Dollars” (inspired by “The Banker to the Poor,” the first book by Nobel Peace Prize winner M. Yunus (the creator of microcredit), where she celebrates the role of women in the fight against poverty.
“Music offers a new language to spread greater awareness, to propose or advocate for solutions in society.”
This article was translated from Italian into English using Google Translate.
The Zonta Club of Rizal II, Philippines, hosted an event, “A Talk on Women’s Rights: From birth to legacy.” Attorney Ma. Luz Arzaga-Mendoza delivered a comprehensive presentation on legal rights across every stage of a woman’s life. A seasoned advocate for women’s rights, her clear, relatable and compelling presentation empowered participants with practical knowledge to protect their rights and support efforts to end gender-based violence.
A total of 61 Zontians participated, including International Director Ofelia Bautista, Area 1 Director Rowena Plan and presidents from several Metro Manila clubs. Organizers emphasized that understanding women’s rights from birth to legacy strengthens empowerment, reduces vulnerability to abuse and expands Zonta’s visibility as a leader in holistic advocacy.
Attendees noted the impact of the session, saying the speaker showed “great mastery of the subject matter,” was “an eye- opener” and provided timely guidance on practical legal concerns.
Denise Parrish of District 12 created a new set of custom-designed memes for use during the 16 Days of Activism to support daily advocacy messaging across the district. The graphics will be accompanied by daily content written by Renee Coppock of the Zonta Club of Billings.
The materials have been distributed to clubs with an open invitation to use them as needed throughout the campaign.
The Zonta Club of Accra Jubilee has lit up the National Theatre, an iconic cultural monument, in orange to mark the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The illumination formed part of global activities to raise awareness and rally action to end violence against women and girls.
The colour orange, the official symbol of the campaign, represents hope and a future free from violence.
The event attracted members of Zonta International District 18, UN Women, civil society organisations, government partners and members of the diplomatic and creative community
It featured an “I Pledge” activity, where participants committed to speaking up against abuse, reporting harmful online behaviour, supporting survivors and advocating safer digital spaces.
Symbol
Speaking at the event, President of the Zonta Club of Accra Jubilee, Ewurama Dawson-Amoah, said lighting up the National Theatre was both a symbol of hope and a call to responsibility.
She said this year’s campaign theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” highlights the growing threats women face in online spaces where harassment, cyberbullying, non-consensual image sharing and AI-driven manipulation are on the rise.
“Digital violence is real violence. Its impact goes far beyond the screen, affecting mental health, dignity, education, political participation and personal safety. If we are to create a future where women thrive, we must ensure they can thrive both online and offline,” she said.
She called for stronger digital protection, improved accountability measures for perpetrators and collaboration among government, civil society, media, technology companies and community groups to build safer online environment.
Commendation, call to action
The Governor of Zonta International District 18, Opeibea Omaboe, commended the Accra Jubilee Club for choosing the National Theatre, one of the nation’s most visible cultural symbols, as the focal point of this year’s awareness efforts.
She said violence against women was a global, persistent threat that manifests physically, verbally, economically and, increasingly, digitally.
The Governor urged members and the public to actively advocate during the 16 days by wearing orange, speaking up against abuse, participating in awareness events and spreading messages of safety and equality.
She added that violence, whether physical, emotional, economic or digital, must not be tolerated, and therefore encouraged women to empower themselves through community awareness, self-defence and responsible digital practices
The UN Women Country Representative to Ghana, Dr Afua Ansre, also commended Zonta for its leadership and consistency in championing women’s rights.
She said lighting the National Theatre in orange would help amplify the message across the country and inspire community action.
“We hope that this effort contributes, even in a small way, to raising awareness and encouraging individuals, organisations and government to take meaningful steps to end GBV,” she said.
Dr Ansre encouraged organisations and individuals to use the activism period to amplify information, share safety tools, advocate stronger policies and support survivors.
The Zonta Club of Naestved, Denmark, marked the 16 Days of Activism with a series of public exhibitions across the city, including an information booth at the town square on 29 November in collaboration with four local women’s clubs. Additional displays featuring informational materials and pamphlets were set up at the local library and train station to raise awareness about violence against women.
As part of the campaign, the club also illuminated a historic water tower in orange and decorated three female sculptures along the canal, as well as trees in a nearby park, creating a visible call for community action.
Members of Zonta District 31 gathered at Kobe Port under clear skies to raise their orange banner and reaffirm their commitment to ending violence against women. Standing together at the waterfront, participants emphasized unity, support and sustained advocacy as they declared their message: Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women.
The peaceful setting contrasted with the strength of their conviction, reflecting the district’s determination to inspire broader change and advance women’s empowerment.
The Zonta Club of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, launched its Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women advocacy action in Japan. Standing by the port with their orange banner that symbolizes strength and hope, the club joined partners from different places to deliver a unified message to the world: Say NO to all forms of gender-based violence.
Through advocacy filming and meaningful exchanges in Japan, the club hopes to raise more awareness and encourage more people to join the movement for safety, equality and respect. The club declares they will spread the Zonta hope until every woman can live freely in a world without violence.
Join us in saying NO 