demonstrations rallies public displays

Zonta Club of Noosa organizes a walk against domestic violence

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Sunday morning by the river is the place to be for locals and tourists in Noosa – a perfect opportunity to spread awareness of the risks, impact and dangers of gender-based violence as part of Zonta International’s 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence.

Held annually by the Zonta Club of Noosa, this year’s event attracted State and local Council representatives, Zonta members and supporters and local media, with more men attending this year than ever. Zonta Noosa President, Robyn O’Neill said, “to end violence against women we need to challenge attitudes that perpetuate, rationalise and normalise that violence and deny women’s rights to safety. Shifting behaviours is hard and slow but gender equality means all of us and working with all genders is the only way to see true change. We need the men to stand beside the women all the way. While men can be victims as well, they are overwhelmingly the perpetrators of gender based violence.“

After a week chairing public hearings held by the Youth Justice Reform Select Committee, Noosa MP Sandy Bolton told the group what she had heard taught her much more than a discussion was needed. “What we’ve seen in households across Queensland – it starts right there. It’s all interconnected. The children who are coming out of those households – it is deeply disturbing that we haven’t broken the cycle and we have so much more to do.

“What we have found is there’s a lack of communication to the assistance available and also the early interventions that happen right in our schools. Just about every witness I’ve heard this week has said it takes a community, it takes a society. It’s not just up to government or one person, it takes all of us.

“I ask you to spread the word that there is help and within the homes to reach out. If you don’t know who to reach out to call council, call myself, call somebody and we will connect you. And I encourage you to follow Zonta on Facebook.“

Zonta Club of Kankakee marches to say NO and more

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The Zonta Club of Kankakee, USA, and family members walked in the Kankakee lighted parade, where hundreds of people lined the streets.

The club had a banner supporting the 16 Days of Activism, signs on their car with orange lights and everyone wearing orange scarves. They also handed candy out to the kids lining the streets and buttons.

The club was announced over the loudspeaker, talking about their mission locally and internationally and how these 16 days were important to end violence against women worldwide.

The club also collected gift cards this year at their Christmas gathering for a local domestic violence shelter and sexual assault center. These gift cards were for gas, groceries, clothes and any other needs the shelter and center needed. They collected hundreds of dollars in gift cards and cash to help them.

Zonta Club of Pori I says NO to violence with a short film

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On Girls’ Day, the Zonta Club of Pori, Finland, premiered its short film Viimeinen potku, which means Last Kick in English. The script was written by Teatteri (Theater) Ulpu’s Maiju Junko and Oskari Huhtanen.

Oskari Huhtanen said, “They didn’t want to belittle, but they didn’t want to gloat over the topic either. They wanted to make a serious and real-life short film.”

The film was produced by Glad Media/Anu Glad, who also directed it. Oskari Huhtanen was responsible for directing the actors. Ronja Virtanen plays the main role, and there are also about 20 children and young people from Ulpu’s hobbyist groups. The film is shown in schools in the neighboring towns of Pori and Ulvila.

The name of the film has multiple meanings. It can mean the end of life or the end of bullying. The situation of violence among children and young people has worsened. The club thought about what could be done for the cause and how to spread the word as efficiently as possible. This is how the idea of an anti-violence film was born, aimed at young people and their parents, and the core idea is that it would act as a conversation starter in schools and at home.

Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao finishes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a bang!

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Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, finishes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a bang!

For each of the 16 days, the club held at least one activity.

Day 1
Activity 1: Envisioning video.

Activity 2: Zonta Eco Angels Tree Planting Project at the Zonta Forest and Garden.

Activity 3: Simultaneous changing of Facebook Frame and cover photos.

Day 2

Activity 4: Alay-Agay 3.0 Indigenous Peoples Empowerment Program

Day 3

Activity 5: Zonta Information Caravan on Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response

Activity 6: Healthcare Information and Management Services Road Show

Activity 7: Tarpaulin display

Day 4

Activity 8: GWAPA 2.0

Activity 9: Cagayan State University – Carig Campus, GAD Seminar for 1200 Students

Day 5

Activity 10: We Remember Film Viewing held at multiple locations

Activity 11: General Membership Meeting

Day 6

Activity 12: Pinning of Orange Ribbon at Cagayan State University-Carig Campus In partnership with Golden Z Club of Cagayan State University – College of Engineering and Architecture

Activity 13: Pinning of Orange Ribbon at Cagayan State University-Andrews Campus In partnership with Golden Z Club of Cagayan State University-College of Business, Entrepreneurship and Accountancy

Activity 14: Pinning of Orange Ribbon at Cagayan National High School In partnership with Z Club of Cagayan National High School – Senior High

Day 7

Activity 15: ZCCT x Padday na Yena Cooperative Seminar with CDA

Activity 16: ZCCT honored with Plaque of Recognition at LCAT-VAWC Functionality Awards

Activity 17: All About Eve


Day 8

Activity 18: Bike Against Violence

Day 9

Activity 19: Memory Wall

Activity 20: 2-Day skills training for candle-making

Day 10

Activity 21: Kapihan para sa Kababaihan (Coffee Meet for Women)

Day 11

Activity 22: Men Against VAWC video

Day 12

Activity 23: Slogan and Poster Making

Activity 24: Student Signature Campaign

Day 13

Activity 25: Call to Action, Open Letter to Media

Activity 26: Lecture Safe Spaces And and Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act in partnership with the Golden Z Club of Cagayan State University – College of Engineering and Architecture.

Day 14

Activity 27: Leaders Speak video

Day 15

Activity 28: Day of Service at the Haven for Women and Girls

Day 16

Activity 29: Unveiling of Arts Against Violence

Activity 30: Awarding ceremony for the Search for Most VAW Responsive Barangay of Tuguegarao City

Zonta Club of Hong Kong says NO with CEASE Crisis Centre

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The Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, concluded its #16Days of Activism with a legal talk for the female victims and survivor-mentors under the Victim for Victim (V4V ) project in collaboration with the CEASE Crisis Centre.

Zontians Sharon and Karen discussed important topics such as divorce proceedings, child custody and alimony distribution. The participating women victims found the talk highly informative and gained valuable insights. Before the event, the club established connections with the participants and volunteers, which meant great to them as they felt the club’s genuine care and support.

The CEASE Crisis Centre plays a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence and those individuals/families facing domestic violence or in crisis who require support, regardless of age, gender, and race, by offering 24-hour hotline services and intervention assistance.

The CEASE Crisis Centre 24-hour Hotline is (852) 18281.

Zonta Club of Prowers County’s 16 daily events for 16 Days of Activism

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The Zonta Club of Prowers County, USA, completes 16 daily activities supporting the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women and the 16 Days of Activism campaigns. In addition to attending the proclamation signing at the Prowers County Commissioners’ Meeting, members performed daily activities from 25 November through 10 December, such as:

  • Hanging a banner at the train depot.
  • Decorating a storefront window.
  • Setting orange pinwheels at the County Courthouse and County Annex.
  • Placing silhouettes at entrances to the library, community building and courthouse.
  • Installing orange ribbons around downtown light posts.
  • Participating in the Red Sand Project to spread the message across town locations, including Lamar Community College.

Several events were open to the public, including the In Her Shoes Event and Discussion and a showing of Knots: A Forced Marriage Story at the Cultural Events Center. Additionally, the club donated funds and gifts to the Domestic Safety Resource Center at a potluck instead of a dinner out.

The final weekend concluded with a “Take Back the Night” walk downtown and a photo op at the train depot, signaling the last day. A request was made for the club to present its award-winning advocacy program at the District 12 Area 4 meeting in Cañon City in April 2024.

Zonta Club of Denver says NO with The Blue Bench

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This year, the Zonta Club of Denver, USA, and The Blue Bench (TBB) organization met at the TownHall Collaborative Brewing Company to promote the Zonta Says NO campaign. The Collaborative is one of many breweries in the Denver area that has received SafeBars training through TBB.

TBB works to end sexual assault through prevention and cure, and their SafeBars Project provides training to staff in establishments that serve liquor so that they can recognize and respond to sexual harassment and potential assault incidents. The club has provided funding for several years to continue this important training effort.

The club also had a proclamation entitled, “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women and Girls,” read and adopted at the Denver City Council meeting to support the Zonta Says NO campaign. District 4’s City Councilwoman read the proclamation, and several club members attended to receive it after the meeting.

Zonta Club of Pokhara says NO with multiple actions

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The Zonta Club of Pokhara, Nepal, passionately orchestrated impactful events as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which is dedicated to ending gender-based violence.

The campaign started with a compelling digital video display on the first day, 15 November, at Mulmi Enterprises, Pokhara. The club showcased engaging visuals and powerful messages on large LED screens, captivating the community’s attention. The display served as a striking introduction, raising awareness about the urgent need to unite against gender-based violence.

Following the digital display, on 4 December, the club held its “Ride to Rise- Let’s Ride for a Cause” scooter rally covering a dynamic 5-kilometer route through the heart of Pokhara. The chief general secretary of Gandaki Pradesh, Lakshmi Kumari Basnet, graced the event along with many passionate activists and members. Eager participants, especially active youths, joined the cause and pledged to unite, invest and prevent violence against women and girls. The rally symbolized unity and highlighted the importance of actively participating in the journey towards a safer, violence-free world.

Diversifying the approach, the club conducted cybercrime awareness advocacy on four campuses. The club addressed the growing concern of cyber-related violence through interactive sessions, informative presentations and engaging discussions. Empowering students with knowledge and strategies to combat cybercrime was a pivotal aspect of this initiative.

The club’s 16 Days of Activism campaign events successfully blended digital outreach, community engagement, and educational advocacy. The club remains dedicated to fostering positive change in the community and advocating for a future free from violence.

Zonta Club of Lafayette brings Zonta Says NO awareness with yard and window signs

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The Zonta Club of Lafayette, USA, spread awareness of the Zonta Says NO and 16 Days of Activism campaigns by creating yard and window signs and decorating a Christmas tree at a public park.

Yard and Window signs

The club posted orange Zonta Says NO yard and window signs at homes and businesses. They also discussed and shared their Zonta Says NO advocacy goals and literature with many of their Zonta friends, who displayed the signs at their homes and offices in Lafayette, LA, surrounding cities and states to support the Zonta Says NO to Violence against Women and 16 Days of Advocacy campaigns!

Club members took pictures for each of the 16 Days to post on the club’s Facebook page. Many Zontians and Friends read and shared our posts to spread awareness. 

Christmas tree

On 25 November, the club decorated a Zonta Says NO Christmas tree at the public Parc International Park in Lafayette. They sent an email with a picture of their tree, asking Zontians and friends to vote for it as the best.

This project helped the club bring awareness to Zonta and their projects. At their monthly meeting on 4 December, they discussed Zonta Says NO information and took a group picture holding their window signs.

On the 16th Day of Advocacy, the club posted a composite of all their displayed yard and window sign locations on their Facebook page. 

Zonta Club of Fredericksburg, Texas partners with Grace Center for 16 Days Campaign

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The Zonta Club of Fredericksburg, TX (ZCF) is taking part in 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence—an international campaign that aims to inspire activism and end violence against women and girls around the world.

Local activities include a banner over Main Street, a display at the Girl Scout Cabin on the corner of Crocket and Austin, a service project to benefit domestic violence victims, and a celebration at the Schatze Haus Resale Boutique—which benefits the Grace Center—on Wednesday, 29 November from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

The Grace Center of Fredericksburg provides shelter, offers guidance, and schedules free and confidential services to empower those who have been impacted by domestic violence and seek to escape their abuser.

“Zonta envisions a world where no woman lives in fear of violence. Through the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, our members and allies stand together, uniting our voices to advocate for all those who have suffered gender-based violence,” says Zonta International President Ute Scholz.

“Zonta is needed now, more than ever, to continue its work to end violence and build a better world for women and girls.” The 16 Days of Activism campaign begins 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends 10 December, International Human Rights Day.

Zonta International encourages its clubs to participate in advocacy efforts that focus on prevention, protection, and prosecution.

ZCF activities include:

• A “ZONTA SAYS NO” banner over Main Street at CrockeX Street and the Girl Scout Cabin display show off orange (the color for domestic violence awareness) and #16DaysofActivism information. The corner display also provides QR Codes for more information about the campaign and Zonta efforts.

• A service project to make 50 hygiene bags for The Grace Center. These bags are filled with a variety of basic toiletries to be offered to women entering The Grace Center aker fleeing a violent domestic event.

The 29 November reception at the Schatze Haus Resale Boutique brings attention to its great work to support the Grace Center.

Join us to learn more about domestic violence in our community and how these organizations work together to fight it.

ZCF president Elizabeth Wunderlich said, “the Grace Center gives hope by offering local domestic violence victims a place to seek shelter from their abuser.”

She added, “Supporting the Schatze Haus and the Grace Center is in perfect alignment with our Zonta mission and 16 Days of Activism. We encourage the community to join us on Wednesday to learn more about what this amazing organization is doing for our residents affected by violent trauma at the hands of a domestic partner.”

President Liz Wunderlich was able to get the word out on the local radio station with a Trish Dwyer-Morgan of KNAF interview about ZISVAW on Wednesday, 22 November.