Zonta District 17 Area 1 launched its participation in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a UN-backed campaign raising awareness of women’s rights violations and gender inequality. The global movement drives impactful advocacy to end violence against women.

On 24 November, the district kicked off its campaign with the Zonta Says NO Women’s Walk at 7 a.m., with participants starting from two locations—Ugong Norte Barangay Hall on Temple Drive and Gate 4, Camp Aguinaldo—before converging at the People Power Monument along EDSA.

Adding to the momentum, OLGC Golden Z Club, sponsored by Zonta Club of Mandaluyong-San Juan I, Philippines, ignited the Zonta Spirit with their powerful “Zonta Chant,” condemning gender-based violence, sexual abuse, rape, harassment, child marriage, teenage pregnancy and human trafficking.

With 16 participating clubs, Zonta District 17 Area 1 successfully demonstrated its commitment to advocacy and action, reinforcing Zonta’s global mission to eliminate violence against women and promote gender equality.

The Zonta Club of Amherst Area, Canada, marked the beginning of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign with a flag-raising ceremony on 25 November in Amherst, Nova Scotia. The event was attended by the mayor, town councilors, members of the club and the Member of the Provincial Legislature, reinforcing the club’s ongoing advocacy efforts.

During the ceremony, the mayor of Amherst read a proclamation prepared by the club, officially recognizing the campaign. Club President Lisa Emery addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day.

In addition to the flag-raising, the club set up an informational display on the town’s main street, showcasing Zonta’s mission to empower women and girls both locally and globally. The club also recognized Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on 6 December, honoring the women who lost their lives in the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Quebec.

Lisa emphasized that violence against women and girls remains a global crisis, particularly in regions experiencing conflict such as Gaza, Haiti, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Sudan and Ukraine, where women and girls face heightened risks. She also underscored Zonta International’s efforts to end child marriage, citing legislation in Iraq that could lower the legal marriage age to nine for girls and fifteen for boys, a policy the organization continues to advocate against.

Locally, Lisa urged the community to remain vigilant and report any signs of violence, stressing that advocacy begins with action. “If you see something, say something—for the sake of the family,” she stated.

The flag-raising ceremony, an annual tradition, reaffirmed the club’s dedication to raising awareness, influencing policy and supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Through its continued advocacy, the club remains committed to creating a safer, more equitable world for women and girls.

During its November meeting, members and guests of the Zonta Club of Houston, TX, USA, reaffirmed their commitment to ending gender-based violence by taking the Zonta pledge to “Say NO to Violence” as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Through this pledge, participants vowed to:

• Say NO to violence against women and girls in all forms, including physical, psychological, and online abuse.
• Support or host programs addressing gender-based violence.
• Educate themselves by exploring resources on the Zonta Says NO website.
• Speak up about what they learned during the 16 Days and continue raising awareness through social media, family, and community conversations.
• Engage men and boys in taking the pledge and becoming active allies in preventing violence.

The club members wore orange and displayed anti-violence posters as part of the commemoration of the 16 Days.

Members of the Zonta Club of Seguin, USA, gathered at the city council chambers with the Mayor of Seguin for a NO to Violence Against Women proclamation signing. The city’s water tower was illuminated in orange during the 16 Days of Activism to recognize that national and international Zonta clubs are uniting against gender-based violence.

The Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka, Bangladesh, hosted a Walkathon on 7 December at Ramna Park, marking a significant moment in the 16 Days of Activism campaign. Led by Club President Anhara Siddiky, the event united a diverse community to raise awareness and take action against gender-based violence.

A collaboration with the Bangladesh Girl Guides Association highlighted the critical role of youth in shaping a future free from violence. Their active participation and enthusiasm underscored a new generation’s commitment to advocacy and change.

Participants received T-shirts, mugs and towels featuring anti-violence messages, creating a powerful visual statement of solidarity. Media coverage amplified the event’s impact, with interviews from the club president and governor, bringing the message to households across Bangladesh and inspiring broader awareness.

A poignant moment came as pigeons were released, symbolizing peace, while balloons carrying anti-violence messages soared, representing collective hope for a world without fear. The event fostered conversations, strengthened community ties, and reinforced a shared commitment to ending violence against women.

The Walkathon was more than just a gathering—it was a movement for change, making meaningful strides toward a future where respect and equality prevail over violence and fear.