story telling

Zonta Club of Ratchaburi launches unique initiative for Zonta Says NO

Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta Club of Ratchaburi, Thailand, participated in Zonta Says NO to reduce and eliminate violence against women and children. During the 16 Days of Activism, the initiative features symbolism using white ribbons and teddy bear imagery, representing a commitment to rejecting violence and breaking the silence.

As part of the campaign, participants created artwork featuring the “Teddy Bear Say NO” symbol to raise awareness. Additionally, educational sessions provided knowledge on ending violence and practical self-defense skills to help individuals respond effectively during crises.

Zonta Clubs of Basel and Liestal’s 16 Days of Activism: Dare to take the step towards a life free of violence

Zonta International Leave a comment

During the 16 Days of Activism, Basel and Liestal, Switzerland, launched impactful initiatives to combat violence against women. The Basel Theater pyramids were illuminated in orange with key messages, while seven animated short videos based on real testimonies, were screened across eleven locations, including cinemas, community centers and the University of Basel.

To reach women in need, 5,000 flyers titled “Dare to Take the Step Towards a Life Free of Violence” were distributed in over 30 locations, including libraries, hospitals and doctors’ offices. A powerful interview with a domestic violence survivor was published in two local magazines, reaching 200,000 readers.

The campaign’s social media efforts on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook featured daily posts, generating thousands of engagements and sparking critical conversations. One member noted, “If only one person has decided to give this topic a space in their thoughts and feelings thanks to the campaign, critical thinking has been initiated, which leads to moving out of violence, it has already been worth it.”

A call to action: Protecting migrant care workers

Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta Club of Taipei Cosmo, Taiwan, continues its dedicated efforts to support migrant care workers in Taiwan, addressing critical challenges through advocacy, collaboration and community-based initiatives.

Aligned with the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, the club marked the 16 Days of Activism by raising awareness and partnering with the Rerum Novarum Center on Human Rights Day, to assist runaway migrant workers who escaped abuse.

The club also extended support to shelters for pregnant workers and mothers, collaborating with Taiwan Harmony Home to provide refuge and resources. Recognizing the needs of undocumented children born to migrant workers, the club launched programs ensuring access to basic care, education and health services.

Through partnerships with NGOs and public outreach, the club calls for stronger laws, fair treatment by employers and greater societal inclusion to protect migrant workers’ rights and dignity. Their ongoing efforts underscore the power of advocacy and collective action in building a just and compassionate society.

16 poems for 16 days

Zonta International 1 Comment

The Writing Sisters provided 16 poems for the 16 Days of Activism to the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley’s, USA. These poems address themes of resilience, survival, empowerment, mothers and heroes. Each day, one poem was shared on the club’s Facebook page and website, amplifying the message of saying no to violence against women.

The campaign culminated on 9 December with a powerful performance of the poems by the Writing Sisters during a gathering with the club members. The event was a moving tribute to strength and advocacy, leaving a profound impact on all in attendance.

Zonta Club Dhaka IV hosts advocacy session on women and child protection

Zonta International Leave a comment

As part of the 16 Days of Activism, Zonta Club of Dhaka IV, Bangladesh, held two impactful advocacy sessions aimed at empowering women and promoting safety for vulnerable groups.

The first session took place at ILMA Grammar School, where over 100 mothers, teachers and grandmothers gathered to learn about protecting girls from sexual exploitation and abuse. Zonta advocates Hasina Rashid and Shabnaz Begum led discussions on safeguarding children, emphasizing the role of families and schools in creating secure environments. Past District Governor Naheed Moyeen stressed the need for schools to implement child protection training for staff, while President Naheed Shaheen concluded the session by highlighting the 16 Days of Activism as a crucial opportunity to advocate for a world free of violence.

In another session held in the densely populated Rupnagar area of Mirpur, the focus shifted to domestic female workers. Advocate Hasina Rashid facilitated discussions to listen to their stories, understand the challenges they face and explore ways to support them. President Naheed Islam addressed the women, reaffirming Zonta’s commitment to creating meaningful change and providing the resources needed to build a safer, fear-free future.

The session in Rupnagar reached 60 women, reinforcing the club’s mission to empower women, amplify their voices, and foster lasting change in their communities.

Zonta Club of Stara Zagora opens Bulgaria’s first Orange Room for victims of violence 

Zonta International Leave a comment

On 20 November, the University General Hospital for Active Treatment in Stara Zagora opened the country’s first Orange Room to support and counsel victims of violence. This safe space was created by the Zonta Club of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, along with the Stara Zagora Z club. The club also had the support of the Public Donor Fund, donors and like-minded advocates. 

The Orange Room offers a gentle environment where survivors can receive timely legal protection and psychological help. Named for the color of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and the UN’s Orange the World initiative, the room symbolizes warmth, safety and peace of mind. 

The club hopes the Orange Room will inspire national and international initiatives, providing safe spaces for survivors to feel protected and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. 

District 31 hosts musical event to promote anti-violence advocacy

Zonta International Leave a comment

Zonta Clubs of Taipei I and Taipei II co-sponsored the joint monthly meeting Folk Song Youth Reappearance, drawing 108 participants, including members from 13 Zonta clubs across Taiwan. The event combined nostalgic music with a powerful message, advocating kindness and warmth as alternatives to violence and fear.

Through the universal language of music, the event echoed Zonta’s international anti-violence initiative, emphasizing respect, equality and harmony. Campus folk songs—a cultural form rich in humanistic spirit—were used to convey the concept of “replacing violence with love and fear with hope.”

This unique event brought participants back to days of innocence through music and reinforced Zonta’s core mission of empowering women and promoting world peace. It showcased how cultural expressions can inspire change and strengthen the call for a violence-free society.

Zonta Club of Redcliffe Inc wins community service award for domestic violence support

Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta Club of Redcliffe Inc, Australia, received the Community Service Award at the Queensland Police Service Annual Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards, honoring its commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence across Queensland. The club’s volunteers transformed standard rooms at three police stations—Redcliffe, Mango Hill/North Lakes and Deception Bay—into welcoming, safe spaces for vulnerable individuals. These redesigned rooms now feature comfortable seating, floor coverings, toys, books, and digital distractions, creating a calming environment where children and those affected by domestic and family violence can speak with police without fear or stress. 

Acting Chief Superintendent Guild expressed gratitude for Zonta’s contributions, noting, “Without their contributions, these projects would not become a reality.” Senior Constable Morris highlighted the importance of the project in reducing barriers to reporting domestic violence, which can often be influenced by the presence of children or fear of police environments. “By partnering with Zonta and our local providers, we created rooms that hopefully remove some of those barriers,” Morris said. 

Zonta Club of Cebu II stages ARTivism

Zonta International Leave a comment

To kick off the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Cebu II, Philippines, staged ARTivism 2023 to show women’s universal perspectives on various gender issues through diverse stage art forms.

The club’s advocacy committee organized the exhibit, which merged art and activism, at Oakridge Garden Plaza starting on 26 November.

Women ARTivism 2023 emphasized the power of performing arts in conveying advocacy messages. The performances ranged from singing to dances, poem recitals to monologues, all amplifying women’s voices. By encouraging attendees to identify various issues, the club wanted to convey that women who want to share their advocacies can use their art to communicate.

During the event, the club tackled various issues, such as monologues on climate change, dramatic readings on human trafficking based on real-life interviews with survivors in Cebu, songs that celebrated women’s empowerment and short plays that discussed gender-based violence and life as an activist.

Zonta Club of Valea Prahovei raises violence against women awareness in community

Zonta International Leave a comment

The Zonta Club of Valea Prahovei, Romania, partnered with the Z Club Spiru Haret Prahova, Cocorastii Colt Secondary School and the Prahova County Police Department to create awareness surrounding our cause- prevention of violence by putting in place workshops with 10 classes from Spiru Haret High School. 

Together with the school’s educational advisor and headmaster, the club presented its organization and projects and started its anti-violence workshops. They involved 200 students and discussed types of violence and cyberbullying.

The challenge presented in this campaign was with a specific class: 10K. In this class, there have been several reported violent incidents involving students and extra counseling and guidance were needed. The club wanted to take specific action to improve this community of students where the Z club studies daily.

This class consists of twenty boys and only one girl, who is subjected to bullying instead of being protected. Two opinion leaders have behavioral problems and refuse to work with specific teachers or school counselors. For this class workshop, the club requested the help of the Prahova County Police Department. The club received help from Commissioner Liliana Marin and Inspector Ana Stroe, who participated in counseling and debates. They discussed with the students about violence, its causes and consequences, and concepts such as discernment were explained to them, as well as crime, misdemeanors, assault and what charges can be made for such behavior.

To further address this issue, the club:

  • Followed up with our anti-violence prevention campaign in Cocorastii Colt Middle School, where over 60 students participated.
  • Carried out a debate activity with the support of the local Argo Debate Club. Sixty Spiru Haret High School students, 10 leading teachers, the educational council and the two debate teams formed three teams. The debate theme consisted of the Romanian Parliament’s motion to sanction mass media institutions for the perpetuation of stereotypes related to the issue of violence.
  • Organized a short film competition on the theme of violence at Spiru Haret High School, where they awarded two prizes and a mention. 
  •  Arranged a raffle named “Together we do good deeds” with 300 participants. The raffle raised 800 euros, which were directed to the counseling of victim violence support therapy and equipment for the high school canteen.
  •  Illuminated the Spiru Haret High School in orange and made an orange panel with anti-violence messages for all the students that come to school every day to see. Twenty students and five teachers were involved in this activity.