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.
The Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, intensified its commitment to ending gender-based violence by distributing life-saving Information Campaign Pamphlets across all municipalities and cities in Isabela Province as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
The comprehensive pamphlets, produced in partnership with the Provincial Government of Isabela, include key provisions of Philippine laws protecting women and children—such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (R.A. 9262), Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act (R.A. 9995), and Safe Spaces Act (R.A. 11313)—along with a complete directory of emergency hotline numbers for police, fire, and rescue services in every district.
Designed as a direct guide for safety and legal protection, the publication equips women, children, and families with essential knowledge for help-seeking and defense against abuse. The club emphasized that this initiative is not merely informational but a crucial tool for empowerment and immediate support.
This club declared its commitment to ensuring that every woman and child in Isabela knows their rights, where to go for help, and how to stay safe. They also expressed gratitude to the provincial government for enabling widespread distribution of the material.
DAY 16: A Day of Reflection — The Campaign Closes, the Vow to Protect Children Continues
On the final day of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Isabela reinforced its long-standing advocacy by participating in the 2025 National Children’s Month Celebration at Barucboc National High School—an event centered on combating online sexual exploitation and protecting children’s rights.
With the theme “OSAEC-CSAEM WAKASAN: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”, the program highlighted the urgent need to address online abuse and strengthen child protection systems. More than 200 high school students took part in a series of legal and educational sessions led by government and legal experts.
Municipal Mayor Hon. Daryl G. Gascon delivered the Response to the Local State of Children’s Address, affirming the LGU’s commitment to safeguarding children. Atty. Carol I. Donato, Co-Chair of ZCI’s Advocacy and Service Committees and representative of the Public Attorney’s Office, conducted a detailed legal lecture on the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM laws (R.A. 11930) and the Cybercrime Prevention Act (R.A. 10175).
Club Charter President Judge Precious Lovely Olivia A. Sales-Jao concluded the event by emphasizing the importance of sustained community education and vigilance in protecting children from online and physical exploitation.
The club extended its appreciation to its partners—including the Local Government of Roxas, the Public Attorney’s Office, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, Barucboc NHS faculty, and the student leaders—for their dedication to child safety and rights.
On 24 November, the Zonta Club of Janesville, USA, hosted a reception and candlelight vigil to raise awareness for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Attendees heard from Wisconsin State Senator Mark Spreitzer about efforts to end child marriage in Wisconsin, the executive director of the YWCA about the prevalence of violence against women in our community, and from other members who attended the Wisconsin Assembly Lobby Day.
Following the presentations, participants received a list of actionable steps they could take to help prevent gender-based violence, along with informational placards to distribute to local businesses. The placards, designed for women’s restroom stalls, provide safety resources for individuals who may be in danger.
The evening concluded with a candlelight march to the downtown bridge, which was illuminated in orange in recognition of the global campaign. The vigil closed with a moving, poetic reading written by a survivor of domestic violence.
Front Row: Edie Barans, Janesville; Nancy Abraham, Madison; Barbara Burchfield, Madison; Pam Duane, Madison; Cathy Myers, Janesville; Edna Feldman-Schultz, Janesville; Sally Bean, E-Club of USA3. Back Row: Lori Hanewold, Janesville; Laura Curtiss, Madison; Amber Vaughn Glass, Janesville; Rep Clint Anderson, D-Beloit; Sen Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit; JoAnn Gruber-Hagen, Madison; Debora Hoard, Madison; Gail Zaleski, E-Club of USA3. Missing from picture: Ellen Ermer, Madison; Fatou Ceesay, Madison; Donna Conant, Milwaukee; Donna Neal, Milwaukee.
On 18 November, members of the Zonta Clubs of Janesville, Madison, Milwaukee and the e-Club of USA 3 gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol for a coordinated Lobby Day focused on ending child marriage and supporting the Wisconsin Equal Rights Amendment (WI ERA). Zontians secured 30 scheduled appointments with legislators and staff, engaging in productive conversations about the Child Marriage Bill (AB 656/SB 634) and the need to strengthen legal protections for women and girls.
For lawmakers without scheduled appointments, Zontians visited offices to speak with staffers briefly and provide informational materials. Advocacy packets included summaries of both legislative issues and a small symbolic pillow featuring wedding rings and a business card with a QR code linking to more details about the child marriage issue.
The lobby effort produced additional co-sponsors signing onto the Child Marriage Bill. Zontians are now developing a follow-up plan, including a targeted social media campaign encouraging constituents in key districts to contact their representatives. Members also plan to mobilize friends and allies living in those areas to amplify posts and make supportive calls.
As part of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, members of the Zonta Club Montevideo, Uruguay, Board appeared on a local morning television program to raise awareness about gender-based violence and highlight Zonta’s mission to build a better world for women and girls.
During the segment, board members introduced Zonta International, shared the club’s story and spoke about the ongoing challenges women face globally and locally. When asked about the issues still needing to be addressed at the global and local levels, they explained the significance of the 16 Days of Activism. They outlined how the Zonta Says NO campaign is implemented both in Uruguay and by clubs worldwide from 25 November to 10 December.
The program featured slides displaying the Zonta Montevideo logo and key statistics on domestic violence, helping viewers understand the urgency of the issue. Following the broadcast, the club received numerous phone calls and emails from community members seeking more information about Zonta’s mission.
On 9 December, members of Zonta Club of the New Territories, Hong Kong, came together at Causeway Bay – Paterson Street to volunteer at the “Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery” mobile art exhibition, supporting Po Leung Kuk’s meaningful mission to raise awareness about domestic violence and promote healthier, happier families.
From helping at the interactive zones to greeting visitors and sharing information about support services, Zontians proudly showed what community care looks like. Every conversation, every smile, and every moment of support helped make a difference.
Leadership thanks the dedicated members for giving their time and hearts to the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign.
On 8 December, 2025, seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong — Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Zonta Club of Kowloon, Zonta Club of Hong Kong East, Zonta Club of The New Territories, Zonta Club of Victoria Hong Kong, Zonta Club of Hong Kong II, and Zonta Club of The New Territories II— joined forces to support the Po Leung Kuk’s mobile art exhibition “Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery”, which aims to educate the community about domestic violence and related family crisis support services. This event played a key part of this year’s “16 Days of Activism” under the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign.
Zonta International District 17 Governor Mrs. Winnie Wong, Zonta International District 17 Area 2 Director Ms. Thelma Tong, presidents of the seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong, and the Chairman of Po Leung Kuk Ms. Amanda Ho, JP were all in attendance at the launch.
Wong stated in her address, “Today, Zonta International and the seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong are delighted to support the Po Leung Kuk’s ‘Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery’ mobile art exhibition, which aims to raise public awareness about domestic violence. Zonta is committed to advancing the status of women through service and advocacy. The annual ‘Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women’ campaign and its ‘16 Days of Activism’, which begins on the United Nation’s (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November and concludes on the UN’s International Human Rights Day on 10 December, are aligned with the UN’s call to mobilise all sectors of society in support of gender equality and women’s rights.”
Chairman of Po Leung Kuk Ms Amanda Ho, JP, explained that through the voices and stories of victims of domestic abuse, the exhibition highlights that domestic violence often lies hidden within everyday life. The courage and transformation of every survivor deserve to be heard and supported by everyone. Through the exhibition, which also highlights the Po Leung Kuk’s support services, the Po Leung Kuk not only walks alongside affected families but also aims to show how to build healthier and happier families.
The “Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery” mobile art exhibition vehicle will tour Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories from 8 to 14 December, including stops in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Mong Kok, Wong Tai Sin, Tai Wai and Tsuen Wan. Entry is free of charge.
The exhibition features interactive experience zones, allowing visitors to understand the reality of domestic violence and the possibility of transforming “violence” into “love”. This includes “The True Stories of Seven Weapons”, through activities and personal stories, inspires visitors to build positive family relationships.
The Zonta Club of Greater Queens, USA, expanded the reach of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign by holding signs throughout New York City to raise awareness of gender-based violence.
As the final program of the global UNiTE to End Violence Against Women Campaign, the Zonta Club Kathmandu, Nepal, in partnership with the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau, hosted a cybercrime awareness event on 10 December for representatives from corporate organizations. DIG Nabindra Aryal of Nepal Police attended as the chief guest.
In her opening remarks, Club President Bina Rana introduced Zonta International and the Zonta Club Kathmandu, reaffirming the organization’s mission to empower women through advocacy and service. VAW Committee Chair Shreeyukta Thapaliya emphasized that each year, through the Zonta Says No campaign, the club works to raise awareness, engage communities and take action to end violence against women and girls.
SP Deepak Raj Awasthi of the Nepal Police Cyber Bureau delivered a presentation titled Inside the Digital Battlefield, focusing on cybercrime trends and cyber safety for all users. Legal expert Shiivali Joshi followed with a briefing on digital violence and practical steps for seeking legal remedies. Former District 25 Governor Shreejana Rana offered special remarks reinforcing Zonta’s long-standing commitment to advocacy.
As the 16 Days of Activism campaign drew to a close, participants—including Zontians, corporate leaders, legal professionals and law-enforcement officials—renewed their commitment to fostering safer digital spaces, particularly in the workplace. Attendees stressed the importance of strong policies, accountability and continued collaboration with the Cyber Bureau and legal experts to prevent and respond to digital violence.
A central message echoed throughout the event: ending digital violence requires collective responsibility from families, schools, corporations, law-enforcement agencies and civil society. Advocacy Committee Chair Neelima Shrestha delivered the vote of thanks.
Join us in saying NO 