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.
The Zonta Club of Makati Legaspi, Philippines, in collaboration with INDI Heritage Socks PH, joined the global 16 Days of Activism campaign by hosting a heritage tour in Intramuros. The activity included visits to Fort Santiago and the Rizal Museum, where participants reflected on the final days of Dr. José Rizal and the influential women in his life. Members of the Angel John Integrated Academy Z Club also participated, bringing youthful engagement and curiosity to the event.
The heritage tour served not only as a cultural learning experience but also as a fundraising initiative. Proceeds will support Bethany Children’s Home, extending the advocacy beyond the walls of Intramuros to benefit programs focused on foster care, child healing and family support.
The activity highlighted the importance of connecting history, advocacy and community action. Revisiting the narratives of Rizal’s mother and sisters underscored the crucial roles women have played in shaping Philippine history—an important reminder in the fight against gender-based violence. The partnership with INDI Heritage Socks PH also demonstrated how creative collaborations can expand Zonta’s visibility and strengthen alliances rooted in cultural appreciation and social impact.
In line with the global observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs Foundation, Inc, Philippines, conducted a Birth Registration Awareness Program titled “Sa Ngalan ng Ina: Legal Identity and the Rights of Women” at Don Bosco TVET–Makati. The initiative highlighted the crucial role of legal identity in protecting women’s and children’s rights and in ensuring access to education, healthcare, and social services.
The program began with the welcome remarks of Club President Joanne Zapanta Andrada, who emphasized the importance of empowering communities with accurate information and accessible pathways to official documentation. The event was hosted by Atty. Ina Magpale and Atty. Ivi Valera, who introduced the theme and engaged participants through interactive discussions.
A keynote address was delivered by Ms. Lucena “Luchi” M. Flores, National President of the Philippine Association of Civil Registrars and City Civil Registrar of Caloocan. Flores discussed the legal foundations of birth registration, requirements and procedures, late registration guidelines, and consequences of lacking a birth certificate. She also presented available government programs that offer free or assisted civil registration.
Participants raised various concerns during the open forum and Q&A, many of which related to documentation errors, lack of records, and challenges in accessing government services. A video storytelling segment further illustrated the real-life difficulties encountered by individuals without legal identity documents.
As part of its continuing advocacy, the club identified 10 participants who will receive focused assistance for birth registration or correction of entries. These individuals underwent initial profiling during the event and will be referred to appropriate government offices and partner organizations for further processing.
The program concluded with a call to action encouraging the community to pursue proper documentation, assert their rights, and share information that could help protect other women and children from vulnerabilities linked to the lack of legal identity. Certificates and tokens of appreciation were also presented to the guest speaker and partner contributors.
Through this initiative, the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs reinforces its commitment to advancing women’s rights and ensuring that all individuals—especially mothers and children—have access to legal identity and the opportunities it enables.
One of its many 16 Days of Activism initiatives, the Zonta Club of Dallas, USA, held a donation event on 6 December at the home of member Wanda Ferraro. Club members collected diapers in all sizes, hygiene items for women and self-care products such as lotions and hair care essentials. All donations will support the Care Closet at the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center (DARCC).
The club welcomed Amy Jones, CEO of DARCC, who spoke about the center’s comprehensive services for survivors of sexual violence. “At DARCC, we believe in the power of education, and our goal is to promote a culture of consent, respect and accountability within the community,” Jones said. She emphasized DARCC’s commitment to standing with survivors, challenging societal norms that perpetuate sexual violence and working toward a world free from such harm.
The Care Closet provides survivors with essential items that can be accessed at any time, offering a small but meaningful step toward restoring a sense of normalcy after a traumatic experience. The Zonta Club of Dallas has also committed to redesigning and improving the Care Closet to better serve DARCC clients, a service project scheduled for completion in January 2026.
The club expressed gratitude to all members who contributed to the donation drive and participated in the workshop and luncheon that followed.
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