The city of Oswego recently honored the Zonta Club of Oswego for its dedication to advancing gender equality and advocating for an end to violence against women and girls.

During the Nov. 24 Oswego Common Council meeting, Mayor Robert A. Corradino issued a formal proclamation recognizing the organization’s work and marking Nov. 25 through Dec. 10 as Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women days in the city.

As part of the community’s support, City Hall is hosting the symbolic “Orange Lady” throughout the 16 Days of Activism. The statue, an emblem of the movement to end gender-based violence, can be viewed by the public on the first floor of City Hall. Residents are encouraged to visit, learn, and reflect on the importance of collective action to protect women and girls.

Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations across the globe. Systemic abuse — whether physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, psychological, or economic — continues to devastate lives, families, and communities.

According to the World Health Organization, one in three women worldwide has been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that 79% of all human trafficking cases involve sexual exploitation, exposing the urgent need for stronger protections, education, and action.

Corradino commended the Zonta Club of Oswego, noting its long-standing commitment to ending these injustices.

“For over a century, Zonta International and its local chapters have worked tirelessly to create a world where women and girls are safe, respected, and empowered,” Corradino said. “The Oswego chapter continues that mission here at home, leading with compassion, advocacy, and education.”

The proclamation highlights Zonta International’s worldwide impact, with more than 26,000 members in 64 countries who work collaboratively to influence laws, shift cultural attitudes, and support programs that combat violence and promote gender equality.

The Zonta Club of Oswego serves as a vital local partner in that effort, engaging the community in awareness campaigns, events, and service initiatives.

During the 16 Days of Activism, the Oswego chapter joins the global Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, urging residents to stand united against gender-based harm. The city of Oswego echoes these calls to action.

“I encourage all residents to prevent gender-based violence by educating our community on its harm,” Corradino stated. “Advocate for survivors, uplift their voices, and act in service on their behalf. Change begins with awareness, and it continues with us.”

For more information on the Zonta Club of Oswego, upcoming initiatives, or how to support the campaign, community members are encouraged to connect with the organization or visit City Hall to view the Orange Lady display.

The Oswego County Legislature presented a proclamation to the Zonta Club of Oswego recognizing Nov. 25 through Dec. 10 as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The global campaign serves to raise awareness, support local prevention efforts, and create community partnerships to help make a safer and more equitable world for all.

“The members of Zonta Club of Oswego exemplify leadership and compassion through their ongoing volunteerism, educational outreach and advocacy on behalf of women and girls across the region,” said Oswego County Legislator James Scanlon, District 16, chairman of the Legislature’s Human Services Committee. “We commend them for the important work they do and are proud to partner with them to recognize the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.”

The Zonta Club of Oswego participates in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence as part of its “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign. During this time, and throughout the entire year, members take advocacy actions to promote the human rights of women, end violence against women and girls, and more.

“Zonta International works globally to end intimate partner violence, and this is a campaign we run every year,” said Lt. Gov. of Zonta District 2 Iraina Gerchman. “From Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, we invite residents to wear orange, as this vibrant color is used to show solidarity against violence toward women. ‘Orange the World’ in our community and make it part of your conversations.”

Both the start and end dates of the 16 Days of Activism recognize other relevant campaigns. Nov. 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, while Dec. 10 is Human Rights Day.

This year, as part of the 16 Days of Activism, Zonta Club of Oswego is expanding its efforts with several community-focused events. Individuals and local businesses are invited to participate in “Lighting Up Oswego Orange,” a campaign encouraging the use of orange outdoor lights to show solidarity in raising awareness of gender-based violence. Throughout the community, residents will also notice Zonta’s “orange ladies,” who will provide additional information about the initiative.

In partnership with Oswego County Opportunities’ (OCO) Services to Aid Families, Zonta will host a book club discussion on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Participants will gather at 7 p.m. at the river’s end bookstore, 19 W. Bridge St., Oswego, to review “She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement,” by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey.

In addition to advocacy, the Zonta Club of Oswego focuses on advancing the status of women, most notably through education. The club supports a number of causes, including “Safe Shelter” for survivors of domestic violence; scholarships for graduating seniors, non-traditional students and young women in public affairs; and “Maker Madness,” a collaboration with SUNY Oswego and Novelis to foster the love of STEAM in young women.

For more information about the Zonta Club of Oswego, visit its website at https://zontadistrict2.org/oswego/, Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ZontaClubOfOswego, or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/zontaclubofoswego/.

https://www.oswegocountyny.gov/news_detail_T17_R4039.php

Starting Tuesday, Zonta Club of Wyoming Bighorns will join the international organization’s more than 1,100 clubs for a campaign to raise awareness of violence against women.

Zonta International was first founded as an organization more than a century ago, aiming to improve living conditions for women and girls. Now, it has more than 1,100 clubs in 64 countries.

Zonta began participating in an international campaign, 16 Days of Activism, with its own version, Zonta says NO to Violence Against Women Days, in 2012. Local Zonta Service Projects Chair Yvonne Gatley said this is the second year the local club is participating in the campaign.

“The whole idea is to spread the awareness, the communication, of the predominance of violence against women throughout the world,” Gatley said.

Gatley said Sheridan is no exception from that predominance, adding the local group works to connect survivors to resources in the community, like the Advocacy and Resource Center. From Sept. 1, 2024, through September this year, Advocacy and Resource Center Executive Director Yvonne Swanson said the center assisted 456 people in Sheridan, 357 of whom were female.

The local Zonta club has worked to grow its own campaign. Last year, members wrapped a tree in orange ribbons — which Gatley said signals support and resilience — ran a public service announcement on radio stations and placed ads in the Country Bounty, a weekly shopper each Sheridanite receives in their mailbox. This year, it has kept each of those and is adding social media posts for each day of the campaign, delivering coasters to bars and putting 12 small, orange, 3D printed ladies with information cards in downtown businesses.

Among those businesses is Verdello. Owner Jenny Boedecker said she still needs to find the perfect location for the 3D printed orange lady.

“(It is) obviously a great cause that we all should be behind and supporting,” Boedecker said. “We all have a mother, a sister, a daughter, somebody in our life that’s a female and probably more likely than not known someone that’s been affected by abuse at some point.”

Sheridan Mayor Rich Bridger signed a proclamation earlier this week, declaring Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 as the 16 Days of Activism and as Zonta says NO to Violence Against Women Days.

Sheridanites who may want to get involved in the campaign or with Zonta should email zontawyomingbighorns@gmail.com or see the organization’s Facebook page. Gatley said the organization is largely aimed toward women, but men are also encouraged to participate.

https://www.thesheridanpress.com/news/local/local-zonta-club-ramping-up-campaign-efforts/article_b749d822-33ed-4203-aaf7-5428c133012e.html

Many Midland storefronts display orange lady dolls as part of the Zonta Club of Midland’s campaign to end gender-based violence.

The orange dolls, named Julie, are to raise awareness for Zonta International’s service project, Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women.

The project was adopted from the United Nations 16 Days of Activism campaign to unite towards a common cause of ending gender-based violence.

One in three women will experience gender-based violence in her lifetime, and it is one of Zonta’s missions that no woman shall live in fear of violence. During the 16 Days of Activism, from Nov. 25 through Dec. 10, organizations and Zonta Clubs throughout the world raise awareness about this issue and challenge people to stand up and say NO to violence against women.

This year’s theme is “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.” The campaign aims to raise awareness about the escalating problem of digital violence, which includes online harassment, abuse, and exploitation. Orange is the color of the campaign, and the dolls represent the women in our community who have fallen victim to violence. 

The orange dolls are named in honor of Julie, who was a 23-year-old female who was riding her bike to a friend’s house in Belgium when she was attacked. She attempted to fight off the attacker, but she was much smaller. He strangled her and threw her into the canal, where her body was found three days later. Her attacker was a serial rapist released on parole who slipped through the cracks of the justice system.

Julie’s family is prompting changes in Belgium’s judicial system in her memory, so this does not happen to other women. Julie’s aunt is a member of the Zonta Club of Midland and advocates for women to protect themselves and men to stand up and pledge to say no to violence against women.

Julie’s death is not in vain as her family and friends are continuing her legacy in advocating for ending gender-based violence. You can follow Julie’s story on Instagram @julie.vanespenslife.

You can help Zonta take a stand and say NO to violence against women by taking a selfie with the dolls, posting on Facebook your selfie and how you will stand up to violence against women, and tagging Zonta Club of Midland.

Zonta Club of Midland is a service organization working to advance the status of women and girls in Midland and is part of Zonta International, a leading global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls. Additional information can be found at ZontaClubOfMidland.org.

Cut outs of orange ladies will be appearing across Melton later this month to mark a global campaign aimed at ending violence against women and girls.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence begins on 25 November, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concludes on 10 December, Human Rights Day. It serves as a call to action to raise awareness and strengthen efforts to eliminate gender-based violence.

The Zonta Club of Melton began its campaign advocacy early, walking in the Djerriwarrh parade on 8 November with their ‘Zonta says no’ banner.

Group members will also be distributing the orange ladies cutouts – an internationally recognised symbol of the 16 days – to libraries and community centres across the municipality.

President Annette Prederson said the club had also teamed up with Melton women’s cricket for an orange stumps event on 30 November.

She said banners would be on display around the ground and participants will don orange caps.

Zonta members will also take part in Melton council’s Walk With Her event from Hannah Watts Park to the Melton Amphitheatre on Wednesday 3 December.

In the news: 16 days of activism

The African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Ghana Chapter has, in a statement, strongly condemned the horrific act of violence captured on video in which a man is seen brutally assaulting his naked wife in a suburb of Accra.

The act, it said, is not only barbaric and dehumanising, but a direct violation of her dignity, rights, and bodily integrity, adding that it was an affront to “our collective conscience as a nation”.

What makes this situation even more alarming is that it comes barely days after the Akyempim tragedy in which a man killed his wife and six innocent children by locking them in their home and setting it ablaze as they slept.

The AWLN Ghana statement, signed by Dr Charity Binka, the chairperson, said the horrifying pattern of violent attacks against women and girls in Ghana was spiralling into a national emergency that demands immediate and decisive action.

AWLN Ghana notes that these atrocities are not isolated incidents. Rather, they represent a deeply entrenched culture of silence, impunity, and normalisation of violence within homes, which should provide safety and love, not death and brutality.

AWLN Ghana appealed to the Police not to treat the incident as a domestic dispute but must apply the full weight of the law in dealing with the case, saying the perpetrator must be prosecuted and punished without delay, to send a clear message that Ghana would not tolerate gender-based violence in any form.

It called on law enforcement agencies to prioritise domestic violence cases, ensuring swift response, protection for victims and accountability for offenders.

Zonta Accra II

The Zonta Accra II, in a statement, also said this year marks 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which has Violence Against Women as one of the twelve (12) critical areas of concern for women, saying GBV is a global human rights emergency that must stop.

Citing statistics, it noted that one out of every three women had been a victim of GBV, a figure it stressed must be reduced.

This year’s campaign, Zonta said, calls for a look at the impact of GBV on women and children and to assess what has been done so far to protect women and children from GBV.

This year’s campaign, it added, focuses on one of the fastest-growing forms of GBV, which is digital abuse against women and girls, a reminder that digital safety is central to gender equality.

It said even though online and digital spaces should empower women and girls, it had become a minefield of harassment, abuse and control, saying digital tools were increasingly being used to stalk, harass and abuse women and girls.

The group mentioned some of the abusive methods to include image-based abuse, such as non-consensual sharing of images of women often called revenge porn or leaked nudes, cyberbullying, trolling, online threats, online harassment and sexual harassment.

Others are ⁠AI-generated deepfakes such as sexually explicit images, deepfake pornography and digitally manipulated videos or audios, hate speech and disinformation on social media platforms, doxxing or publishing private information, online stalking or surveillance, online grooming and sexual exploitation, catfishing and impersonation and misogynistic networks.

These acts, Zonta says, do not just happen online but often lead to real-life violence, such as coercion, physical abuse and even femicide — killing of women and girls saying the harm can be long-lasting and affect survivors over a long period of time.

It said digital violence targeted more women than men across all walks of life — but especially those with public or online visibility — such as activists, journalists, women in politics, human rights defenders and young women.

https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence-awln-zonta-accra-ii-call-for-end-to-gbv.html

On a clear, blue Tuesday spring morning, men and women gathered for a most meaningful, sometimes harrowing, two-hour community event.

Under the auspices of Shellharbour City Council and Zonta Club of Kiama-Shellharbour, community members launched of 16 Days Of Activism, an international campaign by Zonta to raise awareness of gender-based violence.

It began in a sombre way on the lawns outside Shellharbour Civic Centre.

As I walked in, people were gathered in small, silent groups, listening to calming sound bowls so exquisitely played by Barbara Jackson.

It was an atmosphere of quiet introspection, almost meditation.

On display on the lawn were three exhibits, full-length mirrors with shoes in front of each, artistically depicting three very sad statistics.

Zonta president Rita Sullivan with Lisa Cotton. Photo: The Bugle

The first mirror told us three in four domestic assault offenders are men; the second, that one in four women are impacted by domestic violence in their lifetime, and the last, that one in 10 violent assault victims are young people.

A confronting display. Appalling statistics.

The ceremony started.

Master of Ceremonies Bernie Hems of Kiama Community Radio welcomed those gathered.

Auntie Jodie Edwards, called upon to welcome us to Country, spoke powerfully of the history of violence in her own culture, and celebrated the strength of all women, and their nurturing and protection of children.

Guitarist Jessica Allen sang The Beatles classic “Let It Be” and later, “Hero”, made famous by Mariah Carey. These were the perfect songs, the lyrics so appropriate.

A moment’s silence ensued as Bernie read names from a list. The names and ages of 45 women who have been killed by domestic violence since January.

And then the list of unknown names killed. And then the list of child victims killed.

This reading was done as a mark of honour, and respect. As you can imagine, it was an impossibly sad and distressing few minutes.

The event continued inside the Civic Centre hall, and victims advocate Lisa Cotton was called upon to share with us her lived experience.

Her courage, bravery and absolute strength shone.

Suffering the most horrendous treatment over two decades, and with a child also being abused, she fought the system which she said had failed her.

She has over time courageously forged ahead to form Torchlight Foundation, and has helped many victims of domestic violence through her work in family crisis support.

Her story, and her utter courage in telling it, was heartbreaking and admirable.

A panel discussion followed, with four experts answering questions posed by Bernie.

Becky Garrett of Supported Accommodation and Homelessness Services Shoalhaven Illawarra (SAHSSI), Dr Jodie Park, social work practitioner and podcaster from FamilyPathway Solutions, Legal Aid lawyer Alira Morey and James Mulholland, mentor and teacher of young Aboriginal men, were insightful, caring, helpful and informative.

The overriding message was how to recognise coercive control, the importance of reaching out for help and that there are many avenues of help, with Legal Aid being the first step.

Tables set up at the rear of the hall by community organisations and help centres provided an array of leaflets and information.

The time, expertise and commitment to raising awareness of domestic violence given by all speakers was applauded by Rita Sullivan, president of Zonta Shellharbour-Kiama, in her closing remarks.

For all who attended, the message was made clear. This scourge of domestic violence is happening everywhere, every day. It can happen to anyone.

https://thebuglenews.com.au/NewsStory/uniting-for-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence/692685c01bffee002d7a56f1

Nearly one in three, or 30 per cent, of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/ or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence — an international campaign that aims to inspire action and end violence against women and girls around the world— the Zonta Club of Amherst Area, local officials and members of the local community joined Amherst Mayor Robert Small for the Zonta Says NO Proclamation and Zonta International flag raising ceremony on Nov. 25.

Each year during the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, which runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, Zonta International encourages its members to take part in advocacy efforts that focus on prevention, protection and prosecution.

At the local level, Zonta clubs across the world have organized activities and events as part of the 2025 Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

One of the fastest growing forms of abuse is digital violence against women and girls. In support of the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-based Violence, the Zonta Club of Amherst Area calls for an end to violence against women and girls — online and off.

“This year, the Zonta Club of Amherst Area joins Zonta clubs across Canada and around the world in supporting the United Nations “UNITE” campaign theme — UNITE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls. Our club stands united with advocates worldwide in calling for decisive and coordinated action to make digital spaces safe and inclusive for all”, said Lisa Emery, president, Zonta Club of Amherst Area.

Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women began in November 2012. To learn more and join the campaign, visit http://www.zontasaysno.com. Zonta International’s ongoing efforts to end violence against women and girls at the international level are carried out through the Zonta’s International service program and through Zonta’s partnerships with the United Nations and its agencies.

https://www.pressreader.com/canada/the-casket/20251126/281522232376147

For the next 16 days, you may notice a different type of yard signs in various places throughout the Corry area.

Those signs say “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women.” The signs are being displayed by members of the Zonta Club of the Corry Area from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10. During this time, known as 16 Days of Activism, Zonta clubs worldwide focus on ending gender-based violence in all its forms.

As members of Zonta International, the Zonta Club of the Corry Area works throughout the year to support Zonta’s mission of “building a better world for women and girls.” Zonta International is a leading global organization of individuals working together to build a better world for women and girls.

The main goal of Zonta’s advocacy is eliminating gender-based violence against women. That advocacy includes observing 16 Days of Activism, which focuses on psychological, physical and sexual violence; and harmful practices such as rape, child marriage and human trafficking. 

The campaign’s goal is to get more people to speak up and act rather than look the other way. Through a multitude of events, projects and advocacy efforts, Zonta clubs and members around the world are dedicated to ending gender-based violence.

Connie Cooper is the president of the Zonta Club of the Corry Area. She said the club has set a goal to raise awareness of prevent gender-based violence during 16 Days of Activism.

“Our club has set a goal to raise awareness of and take action to prevent gender-based violence during the 16 Days of Activism,” Cooper said. “Follow our Facebook page for daily messages highlighting the issues surrounding and actions you can take toward ending violence against women and girls. Please “like” and share every day to spread the message.”

You can view the page, join the campaign to end violence against women, and share the messages by going to Facebook.com/Zonta Club of Corry.

On Nov. 8, Zonta International celebrated its 106th anniversary. For Zonta’s 100th anniversary in 2019, the Corry Zonta club purchased a banner with the theme “Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women.” For a few weeks each fall, the banner is displayed across North Center Street to spread the word to the Corry community about Zonta’s mission.

But the Corry Zonta club does so much more. Zonta International’s ongoing service efforts are demonstrated through numerous local projects and programs and through partnerships with the United Nations and its agencies.

Zonta International President Salla Tuominen said Zonta envisions a world where no woman must live in fear of violence.

“We are ambitious yet grounded in the realities of the world we inhabit. We are at the pivotal moment where gender-based violence remains a stark and painful reality, and child marriage statistics have taken steps backward due to the unstable post-pandemic world,” Tuominen said. “But we will not back down as we continue our work and intensify our efforts to combat gender-based violence. Our voices and actions through the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign will build not just a better world for women and girls, but a better world for all.”

Locally, the Zonta Club of Corry supports the efforts of Safe Journey – a shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse, and its affiliate, Purple One – both financially and with service projects.

“Specifically, during 16 Days of Activism, the members of the Zonta Club of Corry donate Christmas gift bags filled with essential items to be given to women and children in shelters who are fleeing domestic violence with the hope of bringing a little joy to their world during the holidays,” Cooper said.

In the past, the Corry Zonta club had a program specialist at Safe Journey speak about Purple One, a bystander intervention program where victims can seek help from trained individuals. 

The Corry Zonta club also volunteers to help with Shower the Shelter, when members ask the community to donate essential items, as well as monetary donations, to Safe Journey for victims of domestic abuse.

“I am proud of the women in our local club who selflessly give and advocate so others can have a better life,” Cooper said. 

“We help the victims of domestic violence and their children at Safe Journey by providing gifts for the holidays as well as funding for a Thanksgiving dinner and support for their date violence services. The need is great in our local community and we are here to help in any way we can.”

Safe Journey also has a Teen Dating Violence awareness program that Zonta of Corry supports.

The Corry club is a member of District 4, Area 5. District 4 includes 30 clubs with 620 members from western Ontario, Canada, to western New York and Pennsylvania states. District 4 was home to the first Zonta club, established in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1919.

Jane Newman, of Ontario, is the District 4 governor. She said this campaign brings 64 countries, 1,123 clubs and 26,00 members from 32 districts together to say no to violence against women. 

Violence against women and girls threatens countries, inhibits economic progress, and prevents women from contributing to their community and creating better lives for themselves and their families, according to Zonta International.

Cooper said the Zonta Club of Corry is more than willing to join in the effort to halt violence against women and girls. 

In addition to Cooper, officers of the Corry club are Shirley Heitzenrater, first vice president; Marie Zamiska, second vice president; Reva Lowry, treasurer; Maryann Mook, secretary; and board members Barb Chase and Vickie Stull. 

https://www.thecorryjournal.com/news/article_ce3fe28a-5ff4-46ab-b4d0-798806312458.html

For four years now, FC Bayern has been lighting up its Allianz Arena in orange on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Today, the German record champions are once again supporting the global initiative ‘ZONTA Says NO’, which campaigns against discrimination and violence against women and girls, with this visible sign. The stadium will be lit up in orange from 17:00 to 20:00 CET.

Hoda Tawfik, ZONTA area director for Bavaria and Thuringia: “The ‘ZONTA says NO’ campaign is delighted with FC Bayern’s long-standing commitment and support, including the Allianz Arena being lit up in orange again this year to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. ZONTA International and the Munich ZONTA Clubs want to continue raising awareness and drawing attention to the support available to women. Visible signs of this are the orange benches throughout Munich and the orange lighting of many buildings and institutions, such as Munich Airport, various ministries and, of course, the Allianz Arena.”

ZONTA International, the global, non-partisan non-governmental organisation, has been working for over 100 years to fundamentally improve the status of women. ZONTA has over 28,000 members worldwide and around 1,100 clubs in over 63 countries. With its international campaign ‘ZONTA Says NO’, the organisation has been promoting the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism from 25 November to 10 December under the motto ‘Orange The World’ since 2013, which will kick off with buildings and landmarks around the globe being illuminated in the symbolic colour.

https://allianz-arena.com/en/news/2025/11/allianz-arena-in-orange-a-visible-sign-against-violence-towards-women