The Zonta Club of Jefferson City, MO, USA, arranged a photo with local groups to raise public awareness about ending domestic violence at the local public library. The display featured a large banner reading “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women,” positioned across from the county jail entrance and surrounded by orange pinwheels to draw attention to the message.
The event brought together representatives from city, county, state and university law enforcement agencies, along with four nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting survivors and preventing domestic violence. By uniting diverse stakeholders in a single, public space, the action highlighted the shared responsibility of institutions and communities in addressing gender-based violence. The photo was posted on the club’s social media, the Missouri Capitol Police Facebook page, as well as KRCG television’s page.
The Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, in partnership with the Golden Z Club of Northeastern College, marked Day 13 of the 16 Days of Activism by focusing on climate justice as a critical women’s rights issue. The activity emphasized how climate change disproportionately affects women and girls, increasing health risks, resource insecurity and vulnerability during disasters.
As part of the observance, the club shared an advocacy video underscoring the message that protecting the planet also means protecting people, particularly women, girls and future generations. The initiative aligned with the global Orange the World campaign, reinforcing the club’s commitment to climate justice as a pillar of gender equality and human rights.
The club also highlighted the importance of inclusive climate action that ensures women’s voices are heard in environmental decision-making and that safeguards are in place for those most at risk. The club also recognized the leadership of young advocates, extending special thanks to Mica Bernardino of the Golden Z Club of Northeastern College for her dedication to advancing climate and gender justice.
Building on this momentum, the club extended its advocacy by launching multiple educational initiatives across Isabela, reaching diverse audiences through targeted legal, mental health and youth-focused programs.
In Roxas, Isabela, the club organized a Legal Symposium on Laws Concerning Women, Mental Health and Wellness, in partnership with the local government and with the support of Board Member Dok Totep Calderon. The forum gathered around 100 participants, including school heads, administrators, guidance counselors and student leaders, to ensure institutional leaders are equipped to multiply the impact of advocacy within their communities. Expert speakers addressed cyberbullying and mental health, the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act, and the Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Law, generating strong engagement during open discussions.
The club concluded with another major legal symposium in Cabagan, Isabela, focusing on anti-VAWC laws. Held at the Cabagan Convention Center, the event brought together local government officials, judicial leaders, prosecutors and public attorneys in a unified effort to strengthen legal protection for women and children. Sessions covered key legislation, including the Anti-VAWC Law, anti-rape statutes and cybercrime-related protections, reinforcing the importance of coordinated legal action.
Left to right: Deedee Boysen, Mary Benoit, Bridget Masters, Sheila Davis, Marion King, Marcy O’Toole, Judy Allen
Zonta District 12 Past Governors demonstrated their Zonta Says NO spirit on 5 December during their annual Holiday Luncheon at Rolling Hills Country Club in Golden, Colorado. All District 12 clubs were encouraged to take part in a Zonta Says NO event, and the Past Governors were more than happy to participate in the effort to end gender-based violence.
During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Basel, Switzerland, launched impactful initiatives addressing violence against women with disabilities, aligning with Switzerland’s 2025 theme.
A WenDo self-defense course was offered to 16 women and girls with cognitive and physical disabilities, providing practical skills in self-protection and confidence-building. Participants reported feeling more self-assured and secure, with many noting that the experience was both empowering and enjoyable.
The club also organized an inclusive art exhibition titled “Designed with Inclusion, Painted with Emotion,” showcasing artworks created by women with disabilities. Displayed in public spaces throughout the city, the paintings emerged from a workshop where participants expressed experiences of violence, imposed limitations and resilience. One participant shared that, for the first time, she felt truly heard.
To further raise awareness, the club hosted a street event highlighting the everyday challenges faced by people with disabilities and distributed 5,000 informational flyers titled “The Spiral of Violence.” The materials, which included emergency contact numbers, were placed in libraries, hospitals, doctors’ offices, cafés and restaurants to reach women in need.
In support of the global Orange the World campaign, the Basel Theater pyramids were illuminated in orange, creating a powerful visual statement of solidarity. The campaign was amplified through daily posts on Instagram and LinkedIn, generating strong engagement and encouraging public dialogue on inclusion, safety and violence prevention.
The Zonta Club of New Rochelle, USA, members participated in and promoted the Zonta Say NO Virtual Summit held on 10 December. The club used the Summit as a vehicle to advance conversations on gender equity and male allyship. Club members widely shared information about the Summit across their personal and professional networks, inviting friends, neighbors and colleagues to attend and engage with one or more sessions.
On 12 December, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, extended its 16 Days of Activism efforts by conducting multiple simultaneous advocacy programs across the province, underscoring its commitment to ending gender-based violence and combating online exploitation.
In San Manuel, Isabela, the club held a focused youth session at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Institute (OLPI), gathering about 150 high school students and teachers for a lecture on digital safety. Club Vice President Judge Ramorelia Lodriguito-Caranay delivered an intensive discussion on the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Material Law (RA 11930). Her presentation equipped students and educators with essential knowledge of their rights and the legal protections available against online predators. The club expressed gratitude to OLPI’s faculty and students for their active participation in this extended #ZontaSaysNO campaign effort.
At the same time, in Roxas, Isabela, the club launched a major symposium in partnership with the LGU of Roxas and with the support of Board Member Dok Totep Calderon. Held at Lado Del Rio, the event brought together nearly 100 school heads, administrators, guidance counselors and student leaders for a combined legal and mental health forum.
Board Member Calderon opened the program by emphasizing the importance of placing critical discussions on women’s safety and children’s protection directly within the community. The symposium featured key presentations addressing both digital and psychological impacts of violence. Dr. Shehee Binag-Director discussed cyberbullying and mental wellness, while Atty. Maria Teresa Alberto and Atty. Carol I. Donato covered RA 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act) and RA 11930 (Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Act), respectively. A highly engaged question-and-answer session demonstrated the strong demand for legal clarity and digital safety education.
Judge Precious Lovely Olivia A. Sales-Jao, club charter president, closed the symposium by calling on participants to transform their learning into action and strengthen institutional safeguards for women and children. She reaffirmed the Zonta club of Isabela’s mission to build a better world for women and girls by ensuring every community in Isabela is informed, protected and empowered.
For the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Matsumoto, Japan, tied orange ribbons to the trees in the square outside Matsumoto Station’s castle entrance, distributed pocket tissues to passersby to explain Zonta’s cause, and gave speeches in public using a loudspeaker.
The club also illuminated the national treasure, Matsumoto Castle, in orange to raise awareness among visitors.
This story was translated into English using Google Translate.
On 7 December, the Zonta Club of Pampanga, Philippines, successfully conducted a meaningful Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Awareness Talk at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church, under the gracious leadership of the Parish Priest, Rev. Father Emmanuel “Manny” Contreras. The activity was organized in line with the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women, reflecting the club’s steadfast commitment to empowering women, protecting children, and bringing up a safe and informed community. The event formally opened with a VAWC awareness lecture delivered by the invited resource speaker, Atty. Aura Eunice Santos, who provided comprehensive and insightful discussions on the legal framework of VAWC, the rights of women and children, and the available remedies and support systems for victims. Her clear, relatable, and empowering presentation greatly enhanced the participants’ understanding and awareness of the issue.
Following the lecture, a highly engaging and dynamic question-and-answer portion ensued, marked by active audience participation. Numerous attendees confidently raised questions and sought practical advice, demonstrating their genuine interest and concern for the topic. Notably, two gentlemen from the audience also participated, emphasizing that advocacy against violence is a shared responsibility of all genders. Rev. Father Emmanuel “Manny” Contreras himself joined the discussion, further enriching the exchange with thoughtful insights and light-hearted remarks that created an atmosphere of openness, learning, and even moments of laughter. The lively interaction underscored the success of the activity in breaking barriers and encouraging honest dialogue within the community.
The project benefited 55 parents and mothers from the local community, equipping them with vital knowledge and awareness on VAWC. The activity was attended by three Zontian members, Gina Millan, President of the Zonta Club of Pampanga; VP Leonor R. Bais; and Past President Gilda Padua, along with five non-Zontian participants. Their presence highlighted the collective spirit of collaboration and advocacy that made the project a resounding success. Overall, the activity not only fulfilled its objectives but also strengthened community engagement, awareness, and commitment to ending violence against women and children.
The club expanded its advocacy further on 6 December through a radio program aired on 91.9 Bright FM in San Fernando City. The broadcast featured Atty. Karen Guevarra and Pampanga Club President Gina Rosario Millan, who discussed violence against women, preventive strategies and community support mechanisms. They also highlighted recent Zonta initiatives and ongoing projects aimed at advancing women’s empowerment in Pampanga.
Hosted by Ma’am Vee and Ma’am Jo, the radio segment broadened the club’s reach and ensured key messages on women’s rights and protection were communicated to a wider audience. This engagement strengthened the impact of the campaign by harnessing mass media to amplify public awareness and encourage community action.
As part of the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women and Girls” campaign, the Zonta Club of Irenopolis–Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, organized a moving musical and poetic performance on 3 December 2025 to honor the strength, resilience and beauty of women. The event aimed to show how women’s tenderness, creativity and inner power can counterbalance violence and aggression, fostering a more peaceful and compassionate society.
The large-scale initiative transformed the city of Stara Zagora into an orange beacon of solidarity and public engagement. Onstage at the Regional Library, club members read poems celebrating women, while children, artists and young musicians filled the hall with music, light and hope.
Through this artistic program, the Zonta Club delivered a clear and heartfelt message: a world free from violence is possible when empathy, dignity and unity guide collective action.
The Zonta Club of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, has donated urgently needed vitamins, immune-supporting products, sanitary supplies, clothing and other essential items to girls and children residing at the Anti-Violence Center’s shelter. The support aims to help strengthen the health and well-being of young survivors seeking safety and recovery.
In addition to the donations, the club partnered with trainers from the Center Against Violence to conduct a series of educational sessions designed to protect adolescents from bullying both in schools and online.
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