The Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, in collaboration with the Z Club of Saint Louis College and soon-to-be members of the Now Forming Z Club of Solano High School, organized the “Walk for Solidarity to Stop Violence” in the Poblacion of Solano.

The event served as a powerful demonstration to raise awareness about violence against women, aiming to inspire communities to take actionable steps toward a future free from violence, discrimination and abuse. By engaging local participants, the walk sent a strong message to the community about the urgent need to address and prevent gender-based violence.

Each year, the Zonta Club of Tartu, Estonia, recognizes a female professional who has made exceptional contributions to addressing intimate partner violence. The scholarship supports self-improvement or further studies for individuals in fields such as investigation, social work, child protection, education, psychology, and law enforcement.

This year’s scholarship was awarded to Annika Antšak, who works tirelessly with children who have experienced violence. Annika plans to use the scholarship to pursue a micro degree in therapeutic arts, equipping her with additional tools to support vulnerable children. The award was presented at the club’s November meeting honoring Annika’s dedication and commitment to making a difference.

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Every year during the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign, the club takes to the streets, dressed in orange, walking the symbol of infinity across the bridges of Tartu. Carrying posters with the message “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women,” the walk symbolizes solidarity and raises awareness about the fight to end gender-based violence.

On 30 November six club members and two supporters proudly participated in this year’s walk, which also included a visit to the town square. The walk fosters camaraderie among participants and also serves as a visible reminder to those who may need support that they are not alone.

To further amplify the message, several businesses and public institutions in Tartu illuminated their buildings with orange lights on 25 November, demonstrating their support for the campaign.

“This walk is about being seen and inspiring others to think, act, and be better,” said a club representative. “It’s especially important before the holidays, a time that can be stressful or lonely for many.”

Dr. Monique Martinek delivered a lecture on the legal implications of the new German law regarding underage individuals, a topic she focused on for her Ph.D. She highlighted how the number of underage marriages in Germany has risen dramatically since the so-called refugee crisis, making it a pressing issue to address.

The lecture and subsequent networking session were well-received by the audience and helped strengthen the brand of Zonta Club of Berlin, Germany. The event was hosted at the scenic Kreuzberger Kinderstiftung, which generously provided the venue free of charge.

The Zonta Club of Jyväskylä, Finland, partnered with local organizations to promote advocacy during the Zonta Says NO campaign. Key city landmarks, including Hospital Nova and Congress Centre Paviljonki, were illuminated in orange. On 25 November, the club hosted an event at the Nero steps, featuring a speech by the president of UN Women Jyväskylä, a performance by the Kipinät choir and refreshments. Attendees dressed in orange and lit the steps with candles to raise awareness for gender equality.

On 10 December, the Zonta Club of Accra Jubilee, Ghana, demonstrated its commitment to empowering survivors of gender-based violence by donating essential items to the Ark Foundation Ghana. Led by President Ewurama Dawson Amoah, the club provided baby clothes, shoes and apparel for women, men and children displaced by abuse.

“This gesture aligns with our goal to create a world free from violence, where women and children can thrive in safe, supportive environments,” said Dawson Amoah during the donation. “We are honored to contribute to the transformative work of the Ark Foundation.”

Madam Blessing Agboada of the Ark Foundation expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing the immediate comfort the donation would bring to beneficiaries. The event fostered collaboration, with Zonta members offering prayers for strengthened partnerships in the fight against gender-based violence.

This initiative highlights the club’s unwavering dedication to advancing the welfare of women and children and supporting the Ark Foundation’s vital mission to restore hope and dignity to survivors.