Multimedia campaign

Zonta Club of Albury–Wodonga Inc spreads high-impact advocacy

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Despite being a small club of just 12 members, the Zonta Club of Albury–Wodonga Inc., Australia, made a significant impact during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Over the campaign period, members participated in events on 10 of the 16 days, while their orange displays and advocacy symbols remained visible throughout the entire observance.

The campaign began with large-scale “orange bombing,” with members decorating four large trees in Albury and 20 smaller trees across the Murray River in Wodonga, creating striking symbols of solidarity. Throughout the 16 days, “orange ladies” appeared across business districts and community events, reinforcing the campaign’s visibility. The club also successfully requested that the Wodonga Council illuminate the Water Tower on the main street in orange for the first five days of the campaign.

Members engaged in education and collaboration, including participation in a webinar on coercive control hosted by the Zonta e-Club NSW/ACT and led by investigative journalist Jess Hill. The club partnered with Wodonga TAFE to host a Walk and Talk and marketplace event attended by approximately 100 people, and supported a community vigil honoring the 68 women and 24 children killed by known perpetrators, marked by the placement of a native flower beneath local flagpoles.

Additional advocacy efforts included attending a talk by tennis player Jelena Dokic on surviving abuse, partnering with local Rotary clubs to organize a Walk Against Digital Violence in Albury, and joining a rural walk in Yackandandah with schoolchildren, community groups and even ponies. Members also supported a neighborhood center-hosted luncheon featuring a Zonta-led barbecue, a merchandise stall and mentoring for a local event management student.

On the final day, members dismantled the tree displays and gathered for a celebratory shared meal, reflecting on their collective efforts and the meaningful impact achieved through collaboration, visibility and community engagement.

Zonta Club of Pampanga advances community awareness through VAWC talk and radio advocacy

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On 7 December, the Zonta Club of Pampanga, Philippines, successfully conducted a meaningful Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Awareness Talk at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church, under the gracious leadership of the Parish Priest, Rev. Father Emmanuel “Manny” Contreras. The activity was organized in line with the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women, reflecting the club’s steadfast commitment to empowering women, protecting children, and bringing up a safe and informed community. The event formally opened with a VAWC awareness lecture delivered by the invited resource speaker, Atty. Aura Eunice Santos, who provided comprehensive and insightful discussions on the legal framework of VAWC, the rights of women and children, and the available remedies and support systems for victims. Her clear, relatable, and empowering presentation greatly enhanced the participants’ understanding and awareness of the issue.

Following the lecture, a highly engaging and dynamic question-and-answer portion ensued, marked by active audience participation. Numerous attendees confidently raised questions and sought practical advice, demonstrating their genuine interest and concern for the topic. Notably, two gentlemen from the audience also participated, emphasizing that advocacy against violence is a shared responsibility of all genders. Rev. Father Emmanuel “Manny” Contreras himself joined the discussion, further enriching the exchange with thoughtful insights and light-hearted remarks that created an atmosphere of openness, learning, and even moments of laughter. The lively interaction underscored the success of the activity in breaking barriers and encouraging honest dialogue within the community.

The project benefited 55 parents and mothers from the local community, equipping them with vital knowledge and awareness on VAWC. The activity was attended by three Zontian members, Gina Millan, President of the Zonta Club of Pampanga; VP Leonor R. Bais; and Past President Gilda Padua, along with five non-Zontian participants. Their presence highlighted the collective spirit of collaboration and advocacy that made the project a resounding success. Overall, the activity not only fulfilled its objectives but also strengthened community engagement, awareness, and commitment to ending violence against women and children.

The club expanded its advocacy further on 6 December through a radio program aired on 91.9 Bright FM in San Fernando City. The broadcast featured Atty. Karen Guevarra and Pampanga Club President Gina Rosario Millan, who discussed violence against women, preventive strategies and community support mechanisms. They also highlighted recent Zonta initiatives and ongoing projects aimed at advancing women’s empowerment in Pampanga.

Hosted by Ma’am Vee and Ma’am Jo, the radio segment broadened the club’s reach and ensured key messages on women’s rights and protection were communicated to a wider audience. This engagement strengthened the impact of the campaign by harnessing mass media to amplify public awareness and encourage community action.

Brussels colors the city orange

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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.

Imagining a world without violence

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Under the leadership of Zonta Advocacy Chair Kelly Callaghan, the Zonta Club of Caloundra City Inc, Australia, held an art competition for Sunshine Coast secondary students, inviting them to submit two-dimensional artworks on the theme “Imagining a world without violence.” Zonta member Leonie Shirley served as the judge for the entries.

Zonta members were inspired by the level of insight, thoughtfulness and maturity the students demonstrated in both the artwork and the conversations that were held.

The club also thanked the Caloundra Arts Centre, which contributed displays of items to be donated to DV Connect, and the Caloundra Regional Gallery, which sponsored one of the competition prizes.

District 25 youth leaders release “Safe and Empowered: United Against Abuse”

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Nasreen Khan, District Chair for Z and Youth Clubs in District 25, has produced a special video for the 16 Days of Activism. The clip features Z and Youth Club members from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal discussing cyberbullying and early child marriage.

The video is centered on the theme “Safe and Empowered: United Against Abuse,” highlighting the collective voice of young leaders who are calling for awareness, protection and meaningful action.

District 25 hopes that Zontians and supporters worldwide will watch, share and uplift the voices of these youth advocates. Leaders emphasized that hearing directly from young people is essential to shaping solutions that protect their rights and empower the next generation.

Click here to watch the video.

Intimate partner violence, femicide and the effect is is having on the shelter system

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As part of its 16 Days of Activism initiatives, the Zonta Club of Toronto, Canada, hosted a virtual panel discussion on Nov. 12 examining the urgent issues of intimate partner violence (IPV), femicide and their growing impact on the shelter system.

Panelists included Marrisa Kokkoros of Aura Freedom International, Wendy De Souza of METRAC and Grace Kolawole of Street Haven Shelters. Each expert shared data, lived experiences and frontline insights, much of which served as a sobering reminder of the scale and severity of gender-based violence in Canada and around the world.

Access the video by using this link and passcode: p0f5?r6#

The Zonta Club of Bangkok IX collaborates with Golden Z Club to say NO to violence against women

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The Zonta Club of Bangkok IX, Thailand, together with the Golden Z Club Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon (RMUTP), will launch an event on 26 November which will feature learn-by-doing activities, an essay competition and a public relations parade aimed at raising awareness of violence against women and encouraging students to become advocates for change.

Throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, all club members, its Z Club school partners and the Golden Z Club RMUTP will amplify the campaign both online and across school and university premises. Signboards, digital posts and student-led initiatives will reinforce the message that ending violence against women requires collective action and continuous advocacy.

Golden Z Club Marburg holds fundraisers to support women’s self-defense

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The Golden Z Club Marburg has donated €1,000 to a local association offering self-defense courses for women and girls, using proceeds from its ongoing feminist film matinee series.

Every four weeks, the club partners with a local cinema to host a Sunday matinee with a champagne reception, featuring films with feminist backgrounds.

Zonta Clubs of Hualien II & Taoyuan — Advocacy on Mount Fuji

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In support of Zonta says NO to violence against women, members of the Zonta Club of Hualien II and Taoyuan, Taiwan, joined together in Japan to turn commitment into action by climbing Mount Fuji. This meaningful climb was led by Hualien II Club President Daisy Chen and Taoyuan Vice President Juliana Huang, who inspired members to embody Zonta’s mission through courage and teamwork.

Facing steep slopes and high altitude, the Zonta members tested the limits of endurance and resilience, but with determination, they conquered the climb together. The experience reflected the Zonta Spirit, showing that only by standing together we create a world where women live free from violence and fear.

At the same time, this journey strengthened the sisterhood between the two clubs. It became a lasting memory and a powerful reminder of why the clubs walk this path together.

Zonta Club of Palermo Triscele honors students for anti-gender violence advocacy video

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The Zonta Club of Palermo Triscele, Italy, presented its Advocacy Award to the students and teachers of Margherita di Navarra School in Pioppo-Palermo for their impactful video clip titled “Come Stelle” (“Like Stars”), which raises awareness about gender-based violence.

The video highlights the various forms gender violence can take—both physical and psychological—and emphasizes the importance of awareness, prevention and support for survivors. The award recognizes the school’s commitment to educating youth and inspiring action against violence through creative expression.