In a deeply moving initiative held on 18-19 November, the Zonta Club of Melbourne, FL, USA, transformed a local church into a space of remembrance, awareness and advocacy through its Shoe Project, a visual exhibit designed to educate the public about the devastating toll of domestic violence.

Triggered by the tragic loss of a beloved local executive—murdered by her intimate partner—the event struck a profound chord in the community. “She lit up every room with her smile and style,” one attendee said. “To know she was suffering in silence is heartbreaking.”

To honor the lives lost and raise awareness, the club collected 466 pairs of gently used shoes, each tagged with the name of a woman killed by an intimate partner—representing the number of women in the U.S. who die due to domestic violence every 16 days. The shoes were arranged as a solemn pathway, creating a haunting and impactful experience. For many, the exhibit was too personal to walk through; some cried, others shared their own stories.

The event, open to the public, featured informational booths from local organizations, including the Brevard Sheriff’s Office, Serene Harbor, the Cocoa Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter, Women’s Center of Brevard and Titusville, and the Palm Bay Police Department’s Victim Services Unit—ensuring resources were readily available to those in need.

At the end of the two-day exhibit, all shoes were donated to local women’s shelters. The initiative, which received coverage from Everything Brevard, is now featured in a powerful video that continues to spread the message:
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The Zonta Club of Laguna, Philippines, recently led two impactful events aimed at raising awareness, funds and solidarity in the fight against violence against women and children (VAWC). Through a community walk and a charity run, the club emphasized the power of collective action and creative advocacy to advance gender equality and social justice.

Orange the World Run raises $2,153 for anti-VAWC programs

Held at the Biñan Track Oval and Football Field, the Zonta Club of Laguna, Philippines, hosted the Orange the World Run, a community-centered Fun Run for a Cause that raised $2,153 to support anti-VAWC initiatives.

Open to participants of all fitness levels, the event featured multiple race categories and welcomed runners dressed in orange to show solidarity in the global fight against gender-based violence. In addition to the race, the event offered interactive activities, educational booths and sponsor-supported initiatives that created a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

This initiative proved the power of combining health promotion and social advocacy, drawing strong community participation and support. Proceeds from the event will directly support the club’s community-based programs focused on VAWC prevention, survivor support and educational campaigns.

More than just a fundraiser, the Orange the World Run stood as a powerful testament to what a united community can achieve when it runs together for a cause that truly matters—helping raise awareness about gender-based violence while promoting healthy lifestyle choices.

Solidarity Walk unites generations against gender-based violence

The club also hosted the Solidarity Walk Against Violence Against Women and Children, bringing together a diverse group of participants—including members of the club, students from the Z and Golden Z Clubs of St. Michael’s College of Laguna and participants from the Orange the World Run.

Wearing orange—the global color of hope and change—participants marched together while chanting and holding banners with anti-VAWC messages, amplifying awareness and engaging the community. The presence of student advocates emphasized strong youth involvement, while intergenerational participation highlighted widespread community support.

The walk also featured group activities that fostered connection and conversation, reinforcing solidarity among attendees. The event was an educational platform linking experienced advocates with emerging youth leaders. The club showcased the power of partnerships between schools and civic organizations in addressing violence against women and children.

The Zonta Club of Baden-Baden, Germany, took action during the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, combining community engagement and digital advocacy to raise awareness on domestic violence.

In collaboration with a local hardware store, four teams—each with two girls, two boys and a coach, including female carpenters—built four orange benches as anti-violence symbols. The store provided materials and workspace, while the wood department manager served as the umpire. One week before, participants attended a Zonta Says NO introduction to prepare for the project, which encouraged teamwork, awareness, and skill-building.

Alongside the bench project, the club launched a social media campaign featuring Matilda, a fictional character who asked local experts practical questions about domestic violence prevention and victim support.

Daily videos featured responses from social workers, police officers, women’s shelter representatives, youth welfare officers and town officials, highlighting available resources. The campaign ended with a farewell letter from a survivor to her abusive husband, delivering a powerful message on the effects of domestic violence.

As the culminating activity of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta e-Club of the Philippines III, Philippines, partnered with the Archdiocesan Commission on Pastoral Care for Women and Children in the Campaign to End Violence Against Women, held at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Pastoral Center in December 2024.

The event brought together 500 delegates, including students, mothers, social workers, and local residents, with the venue filled with the color orange, symbolizing their commitment to taking action against violence. The e-Club donated ₱5,000 to provide food for the VIPs and attendees, reinforcing their support for the cause.

The day began with a welcome address from Sr. Ma. Ananita Borbon, RGS, PhD, director of the Commission on Pastoral Care for Women and Children. Ms. Diana Rose Balatero, RSW, mission development coordinator of St. Mary Euphrasia Integrated Development Foundation, Inc., then shared insights on the programs and cases their foundation has handled, aiming to mobilize people to combat violence against women and children (VAWC).

Dr. Jhane Pulhin, club president, introduced Zonta International, its mission, and its commitment to ending VAWC. She emphasized the shared responsibility of both men and women in advocating for the protection and empowerment of women in society.

In the afternoon, representatives from the Provincial Police Office VAWC Desk provided a legal discussion on Republic Act No. 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act. This was followed by Ms. Eva Morillo, Social Welfare Officer III, who discussed case management of VAWC cases. The session included an open forum, allowing participants to ask questions and engage in meaningful dialogue.

The event concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration and a Pledge of Commitment, led by Archbishop of Batangas, Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, D.D., solidifying the community’s dedication to eradicating violence against women and children.

This initiative marks the beginning of a sustained partnership between the Zonta e-Club and the Archdiocesan Commission on Pastoral Care for Women and Children, with both organizations committed to implementing concrete actions to protect women and children across the Diocese of Lipa. As awareness grows, more individuals are stepping forward to contribute to lasting societal change.

Though small in size, the Zonta Club of Albury-Wodonga Inc, Australia, made a significant impact during this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The club launched its campaign with a yarn bombing initiative, covering a grove of 20 small trees in Wodonga and four large trees in Albury with knitted and crocheted orange squares. The project, supported by enthusiastic community groups, spread awareness of the campaign’s message in a highly visible way.

The first official day of the campaign included a radio interview explaining the significance of the orange-clad trees, while local newspaper coverage extended the reach of their advocacy.

On day two, club members attended a community vigil honoring the 87 victims of gender-based violence in Australia so far this year. Each name was read aloud, and members placed a native flower at the flagpole’s base, displaying a sign for women.

The club continued its advocacy throughout the campaign:

• On day six, members brought their signature “Orange Ladies” to a Men’s Shed event in support of the campaign.
• On day twelve, Billabong High School students helped pack 300 Birthing Kits for distribution.
• On day thirteen, club members participated in the Albury Park Run, raising awareness for the cause.
• On day fourteen, members networked at the Felltimber Community Breakfast, selling handcrafted Orange Lady merchandise to support their initiatives.
• On day fifteen, another local high school assisted in packing additional birthing kits, and members joined a walk through Albury’s main street alongside the Domestic Violence Unit of the Murray River Police District and a Rotary Club donning their new campaign colors.
• On day sixteen, a member of the club attended the Zonta Says No Online Summit, reinforcing their commitment to the global movement.

Despite its small size, the club made a big impact during the campaign, ensuring that the message of the 16 Days of Activism resonated throughout the community.

The Zonta Club of Lunéville, France, joined the global fight against gender-based violence with impactful initiatives during the 16 Days of Activism.

Key landmarks in Lunéville, including the town hall and castle, were illuminated in orange while the town hall in nearby Baccarat also glowed orange to raise awareness for the campaign.

In addition to these visual displays, the club distributed 60,000 bread bags which included a violence meter, a tool to measure violence in relationships, in around 50 bakeries across the Lunéville region.

*This story was translated into English by Google Translate.