Recognizing the significant issue of violence against women, Zonta Club Bangkok II, Thailand, collaborated with the Golden Z Club of Chulalongkorn University and the music club of Pibool Uppatham School to host a mini-concert advocating for the end of violence against women. The event was held at Siam Square One, an urban open-air shopping complex that is a well-known gathering place, especially for teenagers.

Additionally, an interactive activity invited attendees to draw “Siam Si” fortune slips and express their thoughts on the issue of violence against women on the back of the slips which were then posted on the board. This initiative aimed to foster public participation and raise awareness of this critical social concern.

The Zonta Club of Kungälv, Sweden, published a debate article in the local newspaper during the 16 Days of Activism, serving as a compelling lead-up to their joint Orange Day manifestation. The club collaborated with the local government, the United Nations Association, Save the Children and the Swedish Church to host a poignant Orange Day manifestation at a busy shopping center on Black Friday.

The impactful display featured 52 orange cones, each symbolizing a weekly police report of violence against women in the commune over the past year. The striking visual reminded attendees of the prevalence of gender-based violence in their community. Alongside the display, Zontians distributed chocolates imprinted with QR codes, linking to resources and support for those affected by violence.

The campaign also included a debate article penned by club members, and published in the local newspaper to spark dialogue ahead of the event. The manifestation drew significant media attention, with a full-page article published online the same day and later in print.

Club representatives emphasized the importance of collaboration, visibility and business community support in tackling gender-based violence. The success of the event reinforced the message that violence against women is a pressing issue that demands collective action.

Day 7: Day of Remembrance

The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, inaugurated its Zonta Says NOW Climate Justice Program to address the intersection of climate change and gender equality through its Environment Committee – Zonta Eco Angels. Partnering with Barangay Linao Norte, one of Tuguegarao City’s most flood-prone areas, the club distributed recycling bins to encourage plastic waste reduction and environmental sustainability.

Environment Committee Co-chair Miraminda Cabulisan Callangan emphasized the initiative as part of the Day of Remembrance, honoring climate change victims and promoting community action. The club plans to collaborate with the barangay to provide monetary incentives for recycling proceeds and aims to replicate the project in other areas.

The program was supported by generous contributions from Area 3, District 17 Zontians, bolstering the club’s environmental advocacy efforts.

Day 8: Day of Advocacy

The club launched the Zonta Legal Aid Network (ZLAN). This initiative aims to provide accessible legal support and services to victims of violence, aligning with the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

Staffed by experienced legal professionals and volunteers, ZLAN offers legal consultations, assistance in filing complaints, and guidance on navigating the justice system. Victims can access services via hotline, email and the club’s Facebook page, ensuring confidentiality and immediate support.

In solidarity with the campaign, club members adopted orange-themed social media profiles, symbolizing a commitment to a violence-free future. Area 4 Director Racquel R. Aglaua emphasized the societal importance of addressing gender-based violence and invited community members to support the initiative.

Day 9: Day of Discussion

The club launched its YouTube channel, a significant step forward in the club’s 16 Days of Activism campaign. This platform serves as a dynamic space to raise awareness, foster education and inspire action on critical issues affecting women and girls.

Through engaging videos, the channel explores themes such as the difference between sex and gender, the evolving identity of the Filipina woman and the cultural significance of the Filipina mother. Each segment celebrates inclusivity, challenges stereotypes, and highlights the resilience and strength of women in the modern world.

The channel also features content on Zonta’s mission, sharing the essence of being a Zontian and the club’s impactful advocacy work. With this initiative, the club reinforces its commitment to empowering women and advocating for gender equality, using digital media to expand its reach and create meaningful change.

WATCH:
Explore Zonta’s empowering journey: Video 1
Learn about the essence of being a Zontian: Video 2

Day 10: Day of Global Issues

The club has launched an initiative to promote the use of reusable drinking cups as part of its climate change advocacy, aiming to reduce single-use plastic waste and foster eco-friendly habits.

Debuting during recent club activities, the initiative involved distributing reusable cups to participants, emphasizing the importance of combating plastic pollution. “Small steps can lead to big changes,” said club president Josefina Sedano. “We hope to inspire sustainable practices and protect the environment for future generations.”

Aligned with global efforts to address environmental challenges, the club plans to expand the initiative through collaborations with schools, businesses and local government units, further promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility across communities.

Day 11: Day of Tribute

The club provided a platform for survivors of gender-based violence to share their powerful stories of suffering, strength and healing. These testimonials serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring other women to find their voices and break the cycle of violence.

Recognizing that only 40% of women seek help after experiencing violence, the club launched the Zonta Legal Aid Network (ZLAN). Leveraging its network of lawyers, health practitioners and academicians, the club formalized its ongoing support for victims of gender-based violence, offering legal aid and advocacy under the ZLAN banner.

Through initiatives like ZLAN and survivor storytelling, the club reaffirms its commitment to justice, empowerment and ending violence against women and girls.

Day 12: Day of Student Engagement

The club in collaboration with the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit 02 and Peñablanca East National High School (PENHS), hosted “Click with Caution: Cyber Safety for Women and Girls” at Barangay Manga, Lagum, Peñablanca, Cagayan. The program, part of the 16 Days of Activism, educated students on cyberviolence against women and girls.

Speakers included PLT Lanie M. Babate of RACU 02, who addressed understanding cyberviolence, and Zontian prosecutor Susan M. Flores-Danao, who highlighted key points of the Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Acts. Club president Josefina Torres Sedano and Zontian Atty. Cez Melad Lazaro emphasized the importance of empowering youth to create a safer, more respectful digital space.

Following the lecture, Zontians visited the Zonta Girls Dorm, a facility established in 2015 to provide female students from remote areas with access to education. The dorm, supported by club, offers rooms, a kitchen and a living area. Over the years, the club has sustained the dorm through projects and livelihood training, further empowering young women in their educational journey.

Day 13: Day of Outreach

The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, participated in a Mural Painting Contest Against Human Trafficking at Cagayan National High School. Organized by the Department of Justice and aligned with the International Day Against Trafficking, the event focused on raising awareness and promoting action under the theme, “One Nation, One Action. In the New Philippines, End Human Trafficking Now!”

The club, a consistent advocate for women’s rights, joined government agencies and local units in transforming the theme into compelling visual art. Their mural contribution reflected a commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. Contestants showcased their creativity and dedication, with designs pre-approved by the RIACAT Secretariat and evaluated by a panel of experts.

In a separate initiative, the club and Barangay Linao Norte, Tuguegarao City, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on to collaborate on a Plastics Collection and Recovery program. Club president Josefina T. Sedano and Barangay chairperson Renato A. Narag formalized the partnership to tackle plastic pollution and its role in exacerbating flash floods in flood-prone areas.

The MOA focuses on eliminating plastic waste from the community by promoting its segregation and recycling. Recognizing the value of recyclable materials, the initiative encourages residents to exchange collected plastics for incentives, including monthly provisions of rice supplied by the club. This approach aims to enhance participation and sustain the program’s impact.

Part of the club’s Climate Justice Program, this collaboration addresses climate change’s effects, particularly on women and girls, by reducing flood risks and promoting environmental responsibility within the community.

The club’s Day of Outreach concluded with the club extending its commitment to climate justice and sustainable initiatives by supporting the women’s dormitory at the BJMP Tuguegarao City. The club provided materials for a rug-making project, promoting recycling and upcycling as sustainable practices while equipping the women with valuable livelihood skills.

In addition, the club distributed essential toiletries and snacks to 32 women beneficiaries and BJMP personnel, fostering camaraderie and uplifting spirits. The initiative reflects the club’s dedication to advocacy, sustainability and empowering marginalized women while championing their dignity and rights.

Day 14: Day of Community

On Day 14 of the campaign, the club conducted a skills training session on handmade crochet for women and girls from the Padday Na Yena mothers and the Regional Haven for Women and Girls at Villa Blanca Hotel, Tuguegarao City.

The training, led by crochet artist Ruby Jane Badajos, taught participants to create Zontabubu dolls, complete with “No to VAW” pins and Zonta-emblem bag tags. This initiative empowers participants with an alternative source of income, aligning with Zonta’s mission to promote economic independence and end violence against women.

President Josefina Sedano and club members also distributed relief packs to participants affected by recent typhoons, reinforcing the club’s dedication to supporting marginalized women and girls through livelihood projects and advocacy.

Day of 15: Day of Service

The club extended its commitment to service and compassion with an outreach program for 38 female psychiatric residents of the Cagayan Valley Medical Center. This initiative provided personal care items, including shampoo, soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, adult diapers, and more, aimed at restoring dignity and hygiene for the residents.

Nutritious meals were also served, fostering a sense of connection and community. This effort aligns with Zonta’s mission to empower women and promote gender equality, demonstrating the importance of care and respect for all, regardless of circumstances. Through this meaningful act of service, the club reaffirms its dedication to advancing the well-being of women in need.

The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, dedicated each day to the 16 Days of Activism with a different theme to end violence against women and girls.

Day 1: Launching the Campaign

The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, launched its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign on 25 November, beginning with a solemn mass led by Father Jake Ordillos. The ceremony, attended by nearly 100 participants from government agencies and the community, set the tone for a series of seminars, workshops and advocacy drives to foster awareness and action against gender-based violence.

Club members and stakeholders also recited and signed the Pledge of Commitment to the Zonta Says No campaign at Saint Peter Metropolitan Cathedral, affirming their dedication to creating a safe and equitable society. The event concluded with a motorcade through Tuguegarao, highlighting the club’s ongoing efforts to empower women and girls and eliminate violence.

Day 2: Day of Knowledge

The club marked Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week with a motorcade advocating drug-free communities, emphasizing empowerment for women and children.

The club earned 3rd place in the Department of Trade and Industry Region 2’s Outstanding Partner Organization award for initiatives like All About Eve, Padday na Yena and blood donation drives, showcasing its dedication to women’s empowerment and community support.

The club also received a Department of Social Welfare and Development Plaque of Recognition for championing the rights of vulnerable groups. As a member of the Regional Committee on Anti-Human Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children, the club continues to champion the rights and dignity of marginalized communities.

Day 3: Orange Day

The club amplified its advocacy against gender-based violence by displaying Zonta Says No tarpaulins in key Tuguegarao City locations.

This visible campaign aimed to raise awareness, inspire collective action and advocate for a violence-free society, reflecting the club’ commitment to safety for women and girls.

Day 4: Day of Giving

The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, united for the 16 Days of Activism’s Day of Giving, with 75 members donating US$25 each to support Zonta’s mission.

This collective effort underscores their commitment to empowering women, eliminating violence and addressing gender issues globally, showcasing the power of solidarity to create meaningful change.

Day 5: Day of Listening

The latest episode of the club’s All About Eve focused on Zonta’s 16 Days of Activism, shedding light on the fight against gender-based violence. The episode provided an in-depth look at the significance of this global campaign, key legislation aimed at protecting women and actionable steps individuals can take to drive change.

Day 6: Day of Allyship

The club held a 3k and 5k fun run at Rizal’s Park, Tuguegarao City, for their day of allyship. The event, titled “Run With Purpose: End Violence Against Women and Girls,” aimed to foster solidarity and raise awareness about gender-based violence.

Club president Josefina Torres Sedano highlighted the run’s symbolic steps toward hope, healing and change, calling for collective action to eliminate violence. Area 4 Director Racquel C. Reyes Aglaua emphasized the importance of allyship, urging participants to amplify their voices for those who cannot yet speak out.

The Day of Allyship is dedicated to the invaluable role of men as partners with women in curbing and ultimately eradicating violence against women and girls.

As part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Zonta Club of Jelgava, Latvia, launched two interrelated projects in 2024: a striking environmental art installation and its annual “Heart-to-Heart” recognition event.

Straw Dolls Installation
The club’s unique environmental project, “Straw Cannot Be Hurt, but a Woman? Recognize Violence!”, features 12 large-scale straw dolls displayed in Jelgava’s city center, accompanied by real-life stories of violence. Each poster includes a QR code linking to resources for victims, raising awareness and providing support to the public. The installation, located in one of the busiest pedestrian zones, has drawn widespread attention and engagement, with daily stories shared on the club’s Facebook platform.

Heart-to-Heart Awards
The club’s annual event honored four specialists from law enforcement and public services for their dedication to combating violence against women. Awards highlighted significant achievements, mentorship and social responsibility, drawing attention to the vital work these individuals perform daily.

Impact and Reach
The project exceeded expectations, engaging approximately 16,000 social media visitors, with 900 tuning in for live-streamed events. Coverage from national and regional media further amplified its reach, including features on Latvian national television, news portals, and local press. Public engagement at the installation site, with residents stopping to read, photograph, and use QR codes, underscored the success of the initiative.

The Zonta Club of Jelgava’s efforts not only raised awareness but also fostered public dialogue, recognition and actionable support, contributing to a safer, more informed community.

Day 13: Launching the Zonta Kalayaan Project
On Day 13 of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, proudly launched its latest advocacy initiative, the Zonta Kalayaan Project. The project aims to spread awareness about gender-based violence among high school and senior high school students by creating Freedom Walls—murals designed to depict Zonta’s Zonta Says NO Campaign.

The first Freedom Wall was unveiled at St. Thomas Montessori De San Mariano, Inc. in San Mariano, Isabela. The club hopes to have the Freedom Walls across all high schools in the Isabela province. This initiative provides students a platform for creative and constructive expression, reinforcing Zonta’s mission to educate, inspire and empower young individuals to envision a society free from violence and inequality.

Day 14: A Day of Tribute to Survivors
On Day 14 of the 16 Days of Activism, the club paid tribute to victims and survivors of gender-based violence. With the sentiment “Like a Phoenix, your voice rises from the ashes of pain,” each story is a testament to strength, resilience and rebirth.

Haesseah Chloe Santiago, first runner-up in the club’s 2nd Empowerment Awards, contributed slogans for the event, emphasizing stories of transformation and hope. These tributes are a call to break the silence and inspire a future grounded in dignity and equality.

Orange Your World in Angadanan and Alicia, Isabela
As part of its Zonta Says NO campaign, the club shared and showcased the different municipalities of Angadanan and Alicia that have stood with and advocated with the club. Together, they raised banners and promoted pledges against violence. The three cities stood together, committing to:

• Saying NO to violence against women and girls.
• Saying NO to violence in all forms—physical, psychological and online.

Zonta extended its gratitude to VAST Billboards, a leading outdoor digital advertiser, for supporting District 16’s Zonta Says NO campaign. Through the efforts of Anna Arps and Phillippa Elliot, 10 digital billboards displayed Zonta’s powerful message across the country for seven to nine days, significantly boosting the campaign’s visibility.

The collaboration resulted in thousands of people seeing the impactful message, greatly enhancing public awareness of Zonta’s mission to end violence against women and girls. The club praised VAST Billboards for their invaluable support in amplifying the campaign’s reach and impact.