The Zonta Club of Rome I, Italy, organized a conference to address key aspects of Italian law aimed at combating gender violence. The event opened with a historical analysis of violence against women, followed by a detailed report on workplace abuses affecting women.

Held in an institutional conference room, the event brought together influential voices, including the President of the Commission for Equal Opportunities and other representatives of the municipality.

The Zonta Club of Fredericksburg, TX, USA, is committed to its mission of “Building a Better World for Women and Girls” by raising awareness about the alarming prevalence of labor trafficking, sex trafficking and sextortion in Texas. Partnering with organizations nationwide to combat these crimes, the club has taken proactive steps to address the issue locally.

The club produced and distributed posters and rack cards featuring local resources for victims. These materials include brief descriptions of services and QR codes for easy access, ensuring help is readily available to those in need. During the 16 Days of Activism, the club displayed a prominent “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” banner across Main Street to draw attention to the cause.

Club President Elizabeth “Liz” Wunderlich amplified the message by delivering live radio talks on the shocking statistics and Zonta’s ongoing efforts. Informational tables were set up at local businesses, including Schatze Haus, a thrift store associated with the Grace Center women’s shelter. The store decorated in orange, distributed rack cards, and offered popcorn, cookies and water to patrons.

To further engage the community, a large Zonta Says NO banner was displayed alongside hundreds of orange marker flags, symbolizing abuse victims. The display, illuminated with orange mini-lights, served as the backdrop for a group photo featuring Zonta Club members, Girl Scouts and representatives from the Fredericksburg Police Department and Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office to showcase community support.

On 22 November, the Zonta Club of Châtillon-sur-Seine et Région, France, adorned key landmarks in the town orange. A banner and orange fabric were also wrapped around the central fountain, and Zonta signs were placed at the city’s entrances. The statues in the garden of the tourist office and the Marianne statue in the Mayor’s office were both fitted with orange scarves. One of the city gates was also illuminated in orange, while a visual message was displayed prominently on the town’s light panel throughout the campaign.

These actions were carried out in the presence of the Mayor of Châtillon, several personalities and club members, creating a strong community statement.

This initiative aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence, encouraging people to recognize the issue, learn about the progress being made, and feel empowered to speak out.

*This story was translated into English by Google Translate.

In a heartfelt commemoration, the Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, together with the Z Club of Saint Louis School, Now Forming Z Club of Solano High School and members of the OFW organization of Solano, gathered to honor the lives of women who have tragically lost their lives due to violence and abuse.

This poignant event was held where members of the community came together to remember those who suffered at the hands of violence and to renew their commitment to creating a safer environment for women and girls.

The event to honor the memory of the victims began with a solemn moment of silence, allowing attendees to reflect on the loss of lives caused by violence. Candles symbolizing hope and resilience were lit, also as an expression of solidarity with the survivors of violence.

The blessing of the gravestone was officiated by Fr. Roy D. Quiambao.

The club remains committed to continuing its advocacy for women’s rights by creating programs that raise awareness about violence against women. It is hoped that this annual memorial service will serve as a catalyst for change within the community.

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Zonta Fun Bike

The Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, organized a Zonta Fun Bike event that began at Heroes Park and traversed the rural barangays of San Luis, Lactawan, Mapaina, Uddiawan, Bangaan, Wacal, and Quezon. Participants wore T-shirts emblazoned with the message “I SUPPORT THE ZONTA CLUB OF NUEVA VIZCAYA: STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN.”

Atty. Jerome Marcos and Barangay Captain Melchor Marzo served as lead guides for the event, accompanied by groups including baysol, kapedal, bagabag mountain bikers, padyak tulak mountain bikers, rotary club of vizcaya, villaverde mountain bikers, bambang mountain bikers, t6t and other individual bikers.

The Fun Bike event aimed to raise awareness within the community, especially among residents in the rural areas of Solano, about the importance of stopping violence against women.

Throughout the journey, the song “Sandigan ng mga Kababaihan” played, celebrating and honoring women while emphasizing their strength, resilience and invaluable contributions to society.

On 30 November, Zonta District 32 carried out the Zonta Says NO campaign in cities across South Korea, including Seoul, Daegu, Busan, Daejeon and Yeosu. Approximately 140 Zonta members participated, holding pickets against illegal filming, dating violence, workplace sexual harassment, sexual violence and domestic violence.

The members also distributed leaflets to encourage citizens to help create a safe, violence-free society for women. A photo zone was set up to engage the public and raise awareness.

District 32 Governor Hyo-Sook La stated, “It is important to actively participate in support activities against all forms of violence against women,” and emphasized, “Gender equality must be maintained for a sustainable society.”