As the world marks the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence from 25 November to 10 December, the Zonta Club III of Colombo, Sri Lanka, kick-started its campaign with an Advocacy and Legislative Awareness program for employees at the Spring & Summer garment factory in Maharagama. Executives from the organization attended the event who will carry this message further to the more than 100 female working team.

Past President and founder member of Zonta Club III of Colombo, Shiranthi Gunawardena, who also serves as president of the Sri Lanka Women Lawyers Association, addressed participants alongside officials from the Sri Lanka Police Bureau for the Prevention and Investigation of Abuse of Children and Women. Club President Shera Hassen also joined the activity, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to prevention and legal awareness.

This year, the club marked the 16 Days of Activism under the theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” which highlights the increasing prevalence of technology-facilitated abuse. Studies show that between 16% and 58% of women have experienced some form of digital violence, including harassment, non-consensual image sharing, stalking and online exploitation. Experts note that digital violence mirrors societal gender inequalities and can result in severe psychological, physical and economic consequences.

In response to these challenges, Zonta Club III of Colombo emphasized the six strategic pillars guiding efforts to end digital violence: accountability, prevention, justice, response, economic empowerment and research. As part of its local advocacy, the club commissioned an electronic billboard at a major junction in Kollupitiya, Colombo 3, calling attention to the campaign and urging public action.

Walk Against Family Violence
On 28 November, members of the Zonta Clubs of Melbourne on Yarra Inc and Melbourne West Inc, Australia, joined the Respect Victoria annual Walk Against Family Violence, marching alongside like-minded organizations and community leaders. Speakers included representatives from Indigenous communities and a Muslim woman who shared her lived experience, describing how she only recognized her situation as coercive control after receiving community support.
Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and for Women, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making coercive control a stand-alone criminal offense. The march saw a record turnout of men and families, signaling growing societal recognition that violence against women is unacceptable.
Participants emphasized the shared goal of preventing further additions to “The Lost Petition,” a now 38-meter-long textile memorial listing women and children killed by men’s violence since 2008.

Film Screening of Shayda
On 29 November, the Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra hosted a screening of the award-winning international film “Shayda” at the Ivanhoe Library. The 2023 film recounts the story of an Iranian woman fleeing domestic violence and seeking refuge in Queensland.
During a moving Q&A, the real “Shayda,” Yaz, discussed reliving her trauma during production and the long legal battle she faced after escaping her husband. Her daughter Noora, who lived in refuge as a child and later directed the film, has traveled the world sharing its message, with women everywhere recognizing their own stories in it.
Yaz emphasized the lifesaving role of accessible information for women escaping violence, recalling that discovering a small legal aid booklet years ago gave her the courage and knowledge to leave.

Supporting Young Survivors
During the campaign period, the Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra Inc donated AU$3,000 to the Lighthouse “Freedom House,” which is for young women escaping early and forced marriage, modern slavery and domestic violence. The Freedom House offers accommodation, physical support and counselling. This money will be used to help young women get practical support.

This year in Switzerland, the 16 Days of Activism is focused on raising awareness about the violence experienced by women with disabilities.

Zonta Club of Liestal, Switzerland, members set up an orange information tent to engage the public and inform the community on the spiral of violence.

Members of the Z and Youth Club of the Zonta Clubs of Dhaka I, II, III, and IV, presented a dance drama in support of the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women. Inspired by Malala Yousafzai’s empowering words, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world,” the performance underscored the transformative role of education for girls. The club hopes the message and performance remind viewers that education is key to unlocking possibilities and stopping violence against women.

On 25 November, members of Zonta District 24 joined the “No More Empty Shoes” Vigil in Sydney, standing in solidarity with survivors, advocates and the families of women and children lost to domestic and family violence. In partnership with more than 30 frontline and community organisations, around 30 Zontians paid tribute to the 74 women and children who have been killed in Australia in 2025—each pair of empty shoes symbolising a life taken far too soon.

The keynote speaker, Tabitha Acret, mother of Mackenzie Anderson and representative of They Are Our Daughters, delivered a powerful and heartfelt address. She spoke of the profound loss of her daughter, whose own child was just one year old when her mother’s life was taken. Tabitha is now a courageous advocate for those left behind, calling for stronger domestic violence sentencing laws and systemic change to prevent further tragedy.

Zonta District 24 remains committed to raising awareness, supporting survivors and advocating for meaningful action to end violence against women and children.

Throughout Days 7 to 10 of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, carried out a series of legal, educational and international advocacy initiatives, strengthening its mission to protect women and children from violence in both physical and digital spaces.

Day 7: Digital Safety and Cybercrime Awareness in Mallig
On 1 December, the club held a legal symposium in Mallig focused on the growing threat of online violence against women and children. Zontian and legal expert Attorney Cheryl Canapi-Malana led an in-depth lecture on cybercrime laws, including online harassment and libel, digital sexual violence and safe internet practices for minors.
The program highlighted how existing laws can be used to prosecute perpetrators of digital abuse. Club members thanked Mayor Jose Philip “JP” Calderon and local officials for their support, noting that community legal knowledge is a crucial defense against gender-based violence.

Day 8: Global Advocacy Through the ARTA Caravan in Tokyo
On 2 December, the club extended its #ZontaSaysNO campaign internationally as Zontians Attorney Jenny Flor Manantan-Cabaddu, Attorney Karla Louise Agbayani and Attorney Analou Villeza, also members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Isabela Chapter, provided free legal services at the Philippine ARTA Caravan in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo.
The ARTA Caravan brings government services to Filipinos abroad, reinforcing the connection between gender-based violence and bureaucratic barriers that can hinder survivors seeking justice. The club emphasized that both GBV and red tape are global issues requiring an efficient institutional response to ensure women can access timely support.

Day 9: Envisioning a Violence-Free Future in Roxas, Isabela
The Zonta Club of Isabela dedicated 3 December to envisioning long-term strategies for a VAW-free community. Vice Mayor Lourdes Panganiban of Angadanan delivered a lecture titled “Beyond the Horizon (Ending Violence Against Women)” to personnel of the LGU of Roxas.
The discussion covered survivor-centered recovery, community-wide prevention planning, sustainable livelihood support for women and the importance of listening to survivors as a foundation for effective governance. The club praised LGU Roxas for its commitment to future-focused anti-violence strategies as part of its ongoing 18-day VAW campaign.

Day 10: Listening to Youth Needs at Alicia Vocational School
On 4 December, the club held a comprehensive legal and health symposium at Alicia Vocational School, focusing on the protection of youth.
The Municipal Health Office addressed teenage pregnancy; Zonta Club of Isabela Vice President Judge Ramorelia Lodriguito-Caranay covered laws on online sexual exploitation (RA 11930) and safe spaces (RA 11313); and Retired Judge Lornabeth Ucol discussed privacy protection under RA 9995.
The club recognized the Municipality of Alicia for its strong cooperation and thanked Zontian Aida Pallagud Alejandro, wife of Mayor Joel Amos, for serving as host and partner in ensuring youth safety and empowerment.

Every year, the Zonta Club of Port Macquarie Inc, Australia, sponsors the Nautilus College Student of the Year shield. This year, the club called on men and boys to speak up, take responsibility and stand as allies in the fight against gender-based violence.

The Zonta club highlighted the shared values between the club and Nautilus College, including community, friendship, equality, inclusion, respect and integrity.

On 25 November, the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, the Zonta Club of Dhaka II, Bangladesh, conducted an advocacy visit to a local school in Savar to raise awareness about early marriage and cyberbullying.

Students, teachers and several Rotary members attended the session, which featured interactive discussions on the physical, emotional and educational harms of early marriage, as well as the importance of staying in school and making informed decisions. Speakers also addressed the rise of cyberbullying, encouraging safe internet practices, responsible online behavior and seeking trusted help when facing digital harassment.

As part of the outreach effort, the club donated essential health and hygiene supplies to the school, including a water purifier for safe drinking water, sanitary products to support menstrual hygiene and liquid toiletries to improve cleanliness on campus.

School officials and students expressed strong appreciation for the awareness session and the donated items, noting that the program significantly supported their health and well-being. The participation of Rotary members underscored a shared commitment to community development and youth empowerment.

The visit strengthened the club’s ongoing partnership with the school and reinforced its mission to promote a safer, healthier and more informed learning environment.