awareness

Zonta Clubs in Taiwan donate electric motorcycles to combat domestic violence 

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The Zonta Clubs of Kaohsiung Yu Hsiuan and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, part of District 31, hosted a ceremony donating ten electric motorcycles to the Kaohsiung City Government. The donation supports social workers in reaching remote areas quickly to assist victims of domestic violence, aligning with the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women campaign. 

President Sandy Hung of Kaohsiung Yu Hsiuan emphasized the club’s commitment to gender equality and ending violence, noting the donation coincided with the club’s 30th anniversary. The motorcycles, branded with the clubs’ logos, were made possible through months of planning and generous support from like-minded organizations. 

The event also featured parent-child activities and a “Get to Know Zonta” Q&A program, offering prizes for correct answers about Zonta. Hundreds of attendees joined club members in calling for an end to violence against women. 

Zonta Club of Bendigo Inc Says NO to violence against women

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The Zonta Club of Bendigo Inc, Australia, has launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign with the release of a video titled Respect Is, shared on the club’s newly created YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/bYhdPa00_H0.

As a member of the Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence (GBAFV) Committee, the club is sponsoring an evening with Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic. Dokic will share her experiences of overcoming war, bullying, and domestic violence at the hands of her father and tennis coach. The event, which quickly booked nearly 1,000 tickets, promises to be a compelling highlight of the campaign.

The GBAFV Committee has also organized a daily calendar of events throughout the 16 Days of Activism, with Zonta members actively participating in many activities. In preparation, club members have knitted and crocheted orange flowers, which will adorn the fence of the Bendigo Conservatory in the town center. The Conservatory itself will be illuminated in orange for the duration of the campaign, symbolizing support for the elimination of violence against women and girls.

Zonta Club of Bangkok IX installs new Z club and hosts lecture on violence against women

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On 14 November, the Zonta Club of Bangkok IX, Thailand, led by President Dr. Sunjutha Witchawut, installed a Z Club at Phanomthuanchanupatham School in Kanchanaburi Province.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Zonta District 17 Lt. Governor Z. Runcha Boribalburibhand, Area 6 Director Z. Inthira Sawadpanich and District 17 Z and Golden Z Club Committee Vice Chair Z. Natpapha Jiirakulkij, who performed the installation. President Sunjutha presented the Z Club flag along with a donation of 10,000 THB to support the new club’s activities.

Also in attendance were Panida Pathumarak, Area 6 Club Creator, members of the Zonta Club of Bangkok III, and Z Club members from Visuttharangsi Kanchanaburi School, who observed the ceremony as part of their preparation for their own upcoming Z Club installation.

Following the installation, the school hosted a special lecture on stopping violence against women, raising awareness among students and educating them on addressing this critical issue.

Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area illuminates Lift Bridge orange

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The Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area, USA, gathered at the Ashtabula Lift Bridge, illuminated in orange to support the Zonta Says NO campaign. Joined by County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski, the event highlighted the club’s efforts to address domestic abuse and support women recovering from abusive situations. Casey commended the club’s ongoing work and encouraged collective action to prevent abuse, particularly against women and girls.

Following the bridge lighting, members visited two high-traffic billboards displaying Zonta Says NO messaging and the abuse hotline. These billboards, which have previously drawn new members to the club, ensure the message reaches a broad audience.

The club continues to partner with local shelters and transitional living facilities to provide vital support for women and girls in the community.

Zonta Clubs in Bulgaria partner with ballet to raise awareness against violence

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The “The Nutcracker” premiere production by the Stara Zagora State Opera Ballet served as a stunning backdrop for the campaign Rada Says NO to Violence, spearheaded by Zonta clubs in Bulgaria. The ballet’s director, Silvia Tomova, provided powerful and heartfelt support for the initiative, which seeks to raise awareness and prevent violence against women and girls.   

The campaign centers around Rada, a symbolic orange doll made of recyclable materials. It features a QR code and the hashtag #IAmRada. The QR code provides access to resources for preventing and addressing violence, aiming to empower women to take the first step in seeking help and speaking out.   

The campaign, supported by the National Legal Aid Bureau, the Bulgarian Fund for Women and co-financed by the European Union, unites Zonta clubs across Bulgaria to create a large-scale movement advocating for women’s safety and rights.   

“I am Rada. Today, I live a new life,” reads the campaign’s inspiring message. “This story is not just mine—it is the story of every woman who has found the strength to face violence and move on. You can too!”   

Zonta Rockhampton Inc hosts Zonta Says NO breakfast 

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Zonta Rockhampton Inc, Australia, launched its 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign with its second Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women breakfast, attracting over 100 attendees—more than double the attendance of the previous year.

The event featured three influential speakers addressing domestic and family violence:

  • Sherele Moody, founder of Australian Femicide Watch and the Red Heart Campaign, shared a powerful presentation featuring profiles of Australian women who lost their lives to violence.
  • Inspector Ben Wiltshire from Capricornia Queensland Police highlighted law enforcement’s critical and growing role in responding to domestic violence incidents.
  • Louise Hayes, founder of CQ Health Families, discussed her organization’s work supporting families in the Rockhampton region and promoting respectful relationships through the Love Bites school program.

Attendees praised the valuable insights shared and pledged to discuss the issues with family and friends to foster awareness and action against violence in the community.

Zonta Club of Atlántico Sur’s 16 Days of Activism

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On 25 November, the Zonta Club of Atlántico Sur, Uruguay, will begin the 16 Days of Activism campaign with an expansion of last year’s successful Orange Benches initiative across the area. The campaign, focused on the message “Say NO to violence against women and girls,” will feature regular updates on social media and the organization’s website.

As part of the campaign, the district will proudly present From Caterpillar to Butterfly, a thought-provoking play about gender violence, in the city of Pan de Azúcar. The performance aims to raise awareness and spark dialogue on the issue, with strong support and coverage from local media.

District 31 hosts musical event to promote anti-violence advocacy

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Zonta Clubs of Taipei I and Taipei II co-sponsored the joint monthly meeting Folk Song Youth Reappearance, drawing 108 participants, including members from 13 Zonta clubs across Taiwan. The event combined nostalgic music with a powerful message, advocating kindness and warmth as alternatives to violence and fear.

Through the universal language of music, the event echoed Zonta’s international anti-violence initiative, emphasizing respect, equality and harmony. Campus folk songs—a cultural form rich in humanistic spirit—were used to convey the concept of “replacing violence with love and fear with hope.”

This unique event brought participants back to days of innocence through music and reinforced Zonta’s core mission of empowering women and promoting world peace. It showcased how cultural expressions can inspire change and strengthen the call for a violence-free society.

District 31 celebrates Zonta’s 105th birthday with wellness run 

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On 8-9 November, Zonta District 31 marked the organization’s 105th anniversary with a wellness run aimed at promoting Zonta Says NO and advocating for gender equality. 

The event, supported by core members and a partnership with a Taiwanese pharmaceutical company, attracted over 4,000 participants, symbolizing a commitment to both health and social responsibility. Participants from across Taiwan, including clubs in Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hualien and Penghu, joined the run, showcasing Zonta’s spirit of unity and inclusivity. 

A key event initiative was the Every Member Every November fundraising campaign, which raised US$33,180. The celebration emphasized Zonta’s mission to empower women and girls, inspiring positive change to build a better world for all. 

Zonta Clubs in Taiwan celebrate 105 years and advocate against violence

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In celebration of Zonta International’s 105th anniversary and the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign, the Zonta Club of Hsinchu, Taiwan, hosted a one-day gathering at a popular persimmon farm. The event included members from five clubs: Zonta Clubs of Taipei III, Miaoli, Metropolis and Changhua.

Despite a challenging typhoon, the event was a success, fostering fellowship among Zontians from different counties and reinforcing cross-club connections. “Happy 105th birthday, Zonta! Let’s move on to another 105!” cheered participants, marking a resilient and spirited celebration of the organization’s legacy and advocacy.