As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i, USA, is proud to partner with the Children’s Justice Center of Kaua‘i to support their vital work in serving children who have experienced violence, abuse or trauma. This was Zonta Club of Kauai and Zonta Club of Hanalei’s service project combined with the 16 Days of Activism for 2025.
Zonta Club of Kauai member Eliza Kobayashi, donated her personal collection of plush animals to the Children’s Justice Center for children ages 3 to 17.
The Zonta Club of Linköping, Sweden, participated in a torch train in cooperation with other organizations to raise awareness of women’s rights and advocate against gender-based violence. The event was held on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and included a speech from the governor of Östergötland.
On the same day, the city library hosted an exhibition addressing violence against women. Zonta representatives provided literature on the issue and displayed a Christmas tree decorated with orange ornaments, each symbolizing a reported case of violence within the community. Organizers noted that not all cases could be represented due to limited space.
The Zonta Club of Tainan, Taiwan, hosted a community program to support elder residents in rural areas by promoting safe cooking, healthy eating and nonviolent communication.
In many parts of Taiwan, older adults living alone or in rural communities face increased risks related to safety, nutrition and social isolation. To address these concerns, Zontians organized an educational workshop focused on practical skills to help seniors protect their well-being.
Zonta Club of Kauai, USA, and Zonta Club of Hanalei, USA, members, Kauai County Council members, community agencies and supporters came together for Mayor Derek Kawakami’s message and reading of the 16 Days of Activism Proclamation at the Kauai County Rotunda. The club advocacy chair and co-chair presented “10 Things men can do against gender-based violence.”
Zonta District 17 Area 5 officially opened the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on 25 November at the AIM Conference Center, Makati City.
Area 5 Director Susan Lim delivered the welcome remarks, calling on Zontians and partners to continue championing women’s rights and supporting survivors. This was followed by the Acknowledgment of Dignitaries by Vice Area 5 Director Eleanor Soriano, who highlighted the importance of inter-club unity in sustaining the advocacy.
A major highlight of the kickoff was an in-depth forum facilitated by Dr. Gayle Antes, Co-Founder of Eunoia Philippines. Expert panelists shared critical insights on the link between mental health challenges and domestic violence. Speakers included: Dr. Gail Galang, Chairperson, Department of Psychology, Miriam College Dr. Shyne Mangulabnan, Co-Founder, Eunoia Philippines Anamabel Ugarte Garcia and Women’s Crisis Center Attorney Arleen T. Reyes, Assistant Solicitor General. The panel underscored the urgent need for stronger support systems, trauma-informed care and continued advocacy to protect vulnerable women and children.
The audience was also treated to a compelling intermission performance by Ballet Philippines.
Participants took part in the Pledge of Unity with Like-Minded Organizations, reinforcing the message: “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women and Children.” This was followed by a Candle Lighting Ceremony, an emotional moment signifying hope and collective responsibility to illuminate the fight against gender-based violence.
Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Philippines, Club President Joanne Zapanta-Andrada closed the event with a message of gratitude and a call for sustained involvement throughout the 16-day campaign. She reminded everyone that Zontians must continue to be powerful voices and compassionate advocates for women’s safety, dignity and empowerment.
The Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, marked Day three of its November activities with the official launch of Zonta Kabuhayan: Empowering Sustainable Livelihood in San Mariano Isabela, a long-term initiative aimed at advancing economic independence and stability for women.
Held on 27 November, the launch centered on a focused food processing training for unemployed women, conducted at the Camberwell Technical Educational Training and Assessment Center in Zone 3. The program’s inaugural activity represents a key partnership with Camberwell Technical Education Training and Assessment Center, Inc., highlighting the value of skills development as a pathway to sustainable livelihood.
The Zonta Kabuhayan project reflects the club’s commitment to translating advocacy into practical, community-based solutions. By prioritizing economic empowerment, the initiative recognizes that financial independence strengthens overall well-being and enhances personal safety, especially for women facing barriers to opportunity.
Participants and stakeholders expressed strong enthusiasm throughout the event, which underscored months of careful planning, coordination and outreach. The club also extended special recognition to its newly formed Business & Entrepreneurship Committee, whose leadership and operational planning were central to the program’s successful launch.
Club leaders noted that this initiative marks only the beginning of a broader, long-term commitment to helping women build skills, strengthen confidence and grow their own enterprises. As Zonta Kabuhayan moves into its active implementation phase, the organization looks forward to expanding its livelihood programs and fostering sustainable economic growth within the community.
The Zonta Club of Alytus, Lithuania, joined a united community effort on 25 November to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, responding to an invitation from the Alytus Soroptimist Club to stand together against gender-based violence.
The Soroptimist-led initiative took place at the historic “Dainava” cinema, where attendees were welcomed with packets of orange flower seeds labeled “Plant your strength, let your peace grow.” The symbolic gesture encouraged participants to nurture personal resilience and hope. The film “There’s Still Tomorrow” was screened, highlighting the importance of awareness, courage and speaking out in the face of violence.
A variety of international service clubs—including Zonta, Rotary, LIONS Women and Dzūkija LIONS—joined the event, strengthening the message that preventing violence is a shared responsibility. The Dainava cinema building was illuminated in orange, a global symbol of solidarity with survivors. The clubs extended their gratitude to the Alytus Cultural Center for facilitating the illumination.
As part of the awareness campaign, designer Violeta Sūdžiuvienė’s boutique Bliss by Violeta created a striking visual installation: a mannequin dressed in orange, symbolizing unity with women affected by violence. Members of the Zonta Club of Alytus took photos with the mannequin to help amplify the message.
On 25 November at 19:00, members of the Zonta Club Brussel Zavel, Belgium, walked through the heart of Brussels to photograph some of the city’s most iconic landmarks illuminated in orange for the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.
The evening walk featured stops at several notable sites, including the Grand Place’s Town Hall, the Manneken Pis statue, the Ancienne Belgique concert venue and the Central Station.
The images captured during the walk will be used in the club’s upcoming digital awareness campaign to amplify the message throughout the 16 Days of Activism. Members of the Zonta Club Dendermonde joined the Brussels group, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.
At least 150 people joined the Zonta Club of Marburg, Germany, in creating a “human chain” for the Zonta Says NO to violence against women campaign. The act attracted a lot of attention in the city, putting more eyes on the campaign and the issue of gender-based violence.
The Zonta Club Torino, Italy, has joined the United Nations’ UNiTE campaign, which designates the 25th of each month as Orange Day, a global call to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls. This year’s campaign places special focus on combating digital violence.
Orange, a symbol of hope and a brighter future free from violence, serves as the visual hallmark of the campaign. On the 25th of every month, activists, governments and partners around the world unite under the #OrangeDay banner, wearing the color and promoting actions that challenge violence in homes, public spaces, workplaces, schools and online.
As part of this effort—and in alignment with the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence—the Zonta Club Torino, supported by the Municipality of Turin, the Municipal Women’s Council, SMAT Turin and several local associations, illuminated the fountains of Piazza CLN in orange. The club also organized a flash mob in front of the fountains to publicly reject gender-based violence “today more than ever.”
The club also held an impactful exhibition, “How Were You Dressed?”—a powerful response to a question still too often posed to survivors. Through displayed clothing items, each representing a real case, the installation exposes the harmful myth that attire can explain, justify or lessen violence. Each garment urges viewers to witness, reflect and challenge ingrained stereotypes that perpetuate victim-blaming.
Event organizers emphasized that gender-based violence is not a private matter but a violation of human rights and a systemic societal issue. They called for collective responsibility, stressing that change must come from listening, education, respect and the courage to dismantle cultural norms that enable abuse.
The exhibition encourages a shift in perspective: the right question is not “How were you dressed?” but “Why did someone believe they had the right to harm you?”
The club expressed gratitude to all partners, supporters and individuals who contributed stories and made the initiative possible.
Join us in saying NO 