On 1 December, the Zonta Club of Port Macquarie Inc, Australia, joined 40 players at Emerald Downs Golf Course for a 4-person Ambrose event to raise funds for Liberty Family and Domestic Violence Specialist Service. The event successfully raised AU$1,800, which has been donated to Liberty to support Christmas referrals for families in need.

Founded in 1980 by a grassroots group of women, Liberty began as the first local refuge and has since grown into a specialist support service, leading the community in women’s safety and empowerment.

The Zonta Club of Lübeck, Germany, marked the International Day Against Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism with a unique and impactful “Matilda Rally,” showcasing their commitment to raising awareness of domestic and family violence.

In collaboration with a local vocational school, the club created 30 wooden Matilda figures in various sizes, which were painted orange by members during a meeting. These figures were displayed in shop windows across Lübeck’s city center during the 16 Days of Activism, accompanied by posters and flyers promoting the “Zonta Says No” campaign. The displays creatively highlighted the issue of violence against women and encouraged the community to take action.

Adding an interactive element, some Matilda figures were labeled with letters that formed a solution phrase. Participants who deciphered the phrase had the chance to win a €500 prize or a personal training session with multiple German boxing champion Annemarie Stark. This engaging activity not only raised awareness but also fostered community involvement.

The club also organized for prominent city landmarks to be illuminated in orange, aligning Lübeck with the global “Orange the World” initiative. These efforts underscored the club’s dedication to advocacy, making the campaign both visible and meaningful throughout the city.

The Zonta Club of Leipzig Elster, Germany, launched impactful actions for the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign. Key highlights included:

1. Illuminating Landmarks in Orange: Iconic buildings such as the Town House, Opera, State Bank of Saxony and the Sports Arena were illuminated to symbolize solidarity and raise awareness about gender-based violence.
2. Digital and Physical Campaign Presence: The club provided digital spots and images for display on billboards in city shopping zones, malls and giant “city flags” along inner-city highways.
3. Citywide Poster Initiative: One hundred posters were displayed on advertising columns strategically spread across the city, ensuring widespread visibility of the campaign’s message.
4. Impactful Visual Display: A shop window was creatively designed as a simulated crime scene to draw attention to the realities of assault and battery, prompting conversations and reflections among passersby.

These efforts demonstrated the club’s commitment to fostering awareness, inspiring action and advocating for a violence-free society.

In a collaborative effort, the five Zonta Clubs of Dhaka, Bangladesh, organized a winter fair celebrating women’s entrepreneurship. The event, held on 10 December to coincide with Human Rights Day, featured stalls showcasing products crafted by Zontians and other women entrepreneurs, including homemade food items and artisanal goods.

The fair was inaugurated by District 25 Governor Dr. Zareen Delawar and District Parliamentarian Ztn. Dilruba Ahmad, who cut the ceremonial ribbon and released orange balloons in honor of Zonta’s advocacy for gender equality. The event fostered fellowship among members and provided a platform for women to display their creativity and economic contributions.

Walkathon partnering with Bangladesh Girls Guide Association
The Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka, Bangladesh held a powerful event at Ramna Park, partnering with the Bangladesh Girls Guide Association, Rotary Men and local communities. Attendees witnessed a striking display featuring banners with messages like “Stop Violence Against Women” and “Equal Education for Girls,” alongside pigeons soaring and gas balloons carrying advocacy slogans.

Participants, including morning joggers, received Zonta-branded towels, T-shirts, orange umbrellas and mugs. Live coverage by Independent TV and Jamuna TV amplified the event’s message. The day resounded with calls for gender equality, highlighting youth as today’s change-makers.

Art and advocacy unite at Tehmina Enayet’s residence
An art competition at the residence of Immediate Past President Tehmina Enayet brought together youth and underprivileged children. Each artwork conveyed themes of hope and advocacy, showcasing messages like “Zonta Says No to Violence” and “No Child Marriage.”

The evening concluded with an auction of the creations, blending creativity and charity to inspire change. Led by club president Anhara Aman and attended by District 25 Governor Dr. Zareen Delawar Hussain, the event highlighted Zonta’s mission to empower women and promote equality.