As part of the Zonta Says NO campaign, the Zonta Club of Cebu I, Philippines, held its third annual poster-making contest. 11 young artists from the club’s Golden Z and Z Club, representing the University of the Visayas, Benedicto College and Tulay National High School, created compelling posters highlighting the urgency of the campaign and violence against women.

Judging took place, with submissions evaluated for creativity, relevance and impact. Winners will be recognized during the campaign’s culmination event on 12 December at One Central Hotel. This initiative demonstrates Zonta’s commitment to empowering youth and leveraging art to advocate for a violence-free society.

Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, organized a vibrant daylong program at Insignia Resort, engaging SBK school children, Z club members and youth from various clubs in Dhaka as part of the Zonta Says NO campaign during the 16 Days of Activism.

The event featured dance, debates and skits, emphasizing youth-driven advocacy against violence. Conceptualized by Z and youth members under the guidance of District 25 Chair Ztn. Nasreen Khan, the program was supported by Service Committee Chair Ztn. Seleena Mustafa, Club Creator Chair Ztn. Najma Altaf, PG Ztn. Fahmida Karim and the club’s members.

District 25 Governor Dr. Zareen Delawar delivered a keynote speech, emphasizing that while youth are tomorrow’s leaders, they are the changemakers of today. She inaugurated a free AI learning module, accessible to all, to promote intellectual equality. Prior to the event, Dr. Zareen conducted a Zoom meeting with District 25 club presidents, challenging them to develop unique and innovative themes for the 16 Days of Activism.

📚 Access the free AI learning module here: AI Learning Module

On day eight of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, proudly launched its “Zonta Pailaw” project, an initiative to install solar lights in poorly lit areas to enhance safety for women and girls.

The first installation took place in Sitio Isla Verde, Barangay General Aguinaldo, a remote community near Magat Dam, where regular electricity access is challenging. By addressing the lack of proper lighting, the club aims to deter crimes such as assault and provide a safer environment for women and girls to travel and work at night.

The project, aligned with Zonta’s theme of envisioning a brighter future, highlights the critical link between infrastructure and gender-based violence. The club selected the site after a rigorous process involving shortlisting, validation and coordination with local officials.

As the solar lights illuminate paths, they symbolize hope and the club’s commitment to empowering communities. The initiative reinforces the club’s dedication to fostering safety, sustainability and gender equality.

A gathering at a pop-up space in Lahti’s main library focused on defending women’s human rights, bodily integrity and the right to live free of violence.

Organized by women’s organizations in Lahti, the event provided a platform for advocacy, creativity and community engagement. Participants voiced their opinions through conversation and music and interactive activities, including embroidering T-shirts to share ideas and raise awareness.

The initiative highlighted the ongoing efforts in Lahti to promote gender equality and create spaces where women’s voices are amplified.

The Zonta Club I of Colombo, Sri Lanka, launched a public awareness campaign with a striking billboard at a prominent intersection, featuring impactful slogans advocating for their cause.

The billboard, displayed for one month, appears 75 times daily and reaches hundreds of individuals passing through the area each day, amplifying Zonta’s mission to raise awareness and inspire action.

As the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence begins, the Zonta Club of Quirino, Philippines, unveiled billboards across the province declaring, “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women.”

Coordinated with Area 4, the unified billboard campaign highlights Zontians’ commitment to ending violence against women and girls, amplifying their advocacy across the region.

The club marks this day as a Day of Envisioning, inspiring a future free from gender-based violence.