The Zonta Club of Hualien, Taiwan, concluded its 16 Days of Activism initiative with a vibrant anniversary celebration that underscored the community’s collective commitment to ending violence. Throughout the campaign, the club invited the mayor of Hualien City and the mayor of Ji’an Township to join in the call to say NO to violence, while also engaging local communities, gyms and musicians in spreading the message.

10 December, Human Rights Day, marked the final day of the initiative. Club President Li Pingpeng said she was proud that Zonta members upheld the spirit of the campaign through meaningful action and shared their advocacy widely on Facebook and local media platforms.

The Zonta Club of Accra Jubilee has lit up the National Theatre, an iconic cultural monument, in orange to mark the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The illumination formed part of global activities to raise awareness and rally action to end violence against women and girls.

The colour orange, the official symbol of the campaign, represents hope and a future free from violence.

The event attracted members of Zonta International District 18, UN Women, civil society organisations, government partners and members of the diplomatic and creative community

It featured an “I Pledge” activity, where participants committed to speaking up against abuse, reporting harmful online behaviour, supporting survivors and advocating safer digital spaces.

Symbol

Speaking at the event, President of the Zonta Club of Accra Jubilee, Ewurama Dawson-Amoah, said lighting up the National Theatre was both a symbol of hope and a call to responsibility.

She said this year’s campaign theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” highlights the growing threats women face in online spaces where harassment, cyberbullying, non-consensual image sharing and AI-driven manipulation are on the rise.

“Digital violence is real violence. Its impact goes far beyond the screen, affecting mental health, dignity, education, political participation and personal safety. If we are to create a future where women thrive, we must ensure they can thrive both online and offline,” she said.

She called for stronger digital protection, improved accountability measures for perpetrators and collaboration among government, civil society, media, technology companies and community groups to build safer online environment.

Commendation, call to action

The Governor of Zonta International District 18, Opeibea Omaboe, commended the Accra Jubilee Club for choosing the National Theatre, one of the nation’s most visible cultural symbols, as the focal point of this year’s awareness efforts.

She said violence against women was a global, persistent threat that manifests physically, verbally, economically and, increasingly, digitally.

The Governor urged members and the public to actively advocate during the 16 days by wearing orange, speaking up against abuse, participating in awareness events and spreading messages of safety and equality.

She added that violence, whether physical, emotional, economic or digital, must not be tolerated, and therefore encouraged women to empower themselves through community awareness, self-defence and responsible digital practices

The UN Women Country Representative to Ghana, Dr Afua Ansre, also commended Zonta for its leadership and consistency in championing women’s rights.

She said lighting the National Theatre in orange would help amplify the message across the country and inspire community action.

“We hope that this effort contributes, even in a small way, to raising awareness and encouraging individuals, organisations and government to take meaningful steps to end GBV,” she said.

Dr Ansre encouraged organisations and individuals to use the activism period to amplify information, share safety tools, advocate stronger policies and support survivors.

The Zonta Club of Naestved, Denmark, marked the 16 Days of Activism with a series of public exhibitions across the city, including an information booth at the town square on 29 November in collaboration with four local women’s clubs. Additional displays featuring informational materials and pamphlets were set up at the local library and train station to raise awareness about violence against women.

As part of the campaign, the club also illuminated a historic water tower in orange and decorated three female sculptures along the canal, as well as trees in a nearby park, creating a visible call for community action.

The Zonta Club of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, launched its Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women advocacy action in Japan. Standing by the port with their orange banner that symbolizes strength and hope, the club joined partners from different places to deliver a unified message to the world: Say NO to all forms of gender-based violence.

Through advocacy filming and meaningful exchanges in Japan, the club hopes to raise more awareness and encourage more people to join the movement for safety, equality and respect. The club declares they will spread the Zonta hope until every woman can live freely in a world without violence.