16DaysofActivism

Zonta Club of Jelgava combines art and recognition to combat violence against women

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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.

Zonta Club of Isabela advocates for gender equality through art, tribute and community collaboration

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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 Club of Dhaka I hosts advocacy session

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As part of the 16 Days of Activism, Zonta Club of Dhaka I, Bangladesh, hosted an advocacy session, “Women in Education,” at Shaj Technical College. Led by Advocacy Chairman Hosneara Idrish and President Helen Akter, the event encouraged female students to share their educational journeys and male students to pledge support for the education of their female family members.

Highlighting education as a tool to combat gender-based violence, the session reinforced Zonta’s mission to foster gender equality. “Education has given me the confidence to dream big,” shared one female student, reflecting the session’s empowering impact.

Zonta Club of Karlskrona-Ronneby marks Zonta Says NO with community engagement

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On 25 November, the Zonta Club of Karlskrona-Ronneby, Sweden, gathered at the city’s largest shopping mall to raise awareness about the significance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Members distributed informational materials and engaged shoppers in meaningful conversations about the day’s importance.

The club also collected donations in the form of items purchased by supermarket customers, which will be distributed to women with protected identities facing economic difficulties. A lottery was held to raise funds for the club’s ongoing projects, further supporting their mission to empower women and combat violence.

The evening was marked by a strong sense of community and purpose, leaving participants encouraged and inspired to continue advocating for change.

Zonta Club of Cebu I promotes safe spaces

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On Day 12 of the campaign, Attorney Noemi Truya Abarientos delivered a compelling talk on the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Bawal Bastos Law, at One Central Hotel in Cebu City. The event was organized by the Philippine Association for Social Workers Inc. Cebu Chapter in collaboration with the Zonta Club of Cebu I, Philippines, focusing on creating safe and respectful spaces for all.

Attended by social workers and community members, the event sparked meaningful discussions on the law’s implications and its role in combating harassment. By fostering awareness and advocacy, the session highlighted the need for environments where everyone feels safe and respected, reinforcing the commitment to gender equality.

Zonta Club of Kungälv lights up the town orange

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In collaboration with the local municipality, the Zonta Club of Kungälv, Sweden, spearheaded initiatives for the 16 Days of Activism, turning the town orange to raise awareness about gender-based violence. Shopping malls and shops featured orange displays, while the town hall was illuminated in orange, symbolizing solidarity with the Zonta Says NO campaign.

Zonta Club of Malden’s Silent Witness event kick off

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The Zonta Club of Malden, USA, with the Malden Z club, launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign with a Silent Witness event honoring victims of domestic violence in Massachusetts. During the event, Zonta members read the names of homicide victims from January to September 2024, shedding light on the ongoing crisis.

A commemorative display will remain at Malden City Hall throughout the 16-day campaign, complemented by additional activities, including a billboard promoting the “Zonta Says No” initiative, a postcard campaign advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment and a social media drive to raise awareness and foster allyship.

The club also aims to raise donations during the campaign to support its ongoing project of assembling blessing bags for organizations aiding survivors of domestic violence. These efforts underline Zonta’s commitment to advocating for gender equality and supporting those impacted by violence.

Zonta District 31 says NO to violence against women

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On 4 December, Zonta District 31 leaders gathered at Taipei 101 to participate in the global “Orange the World – End Violence Against Women” campaign, part of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism. The event, hosted by District 31’s Area 1 Director Shiow-Hua Chiou and led by District Governor Diana Cheng, took place at Diamond Tony’s Restaurant on the 85th floor.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence, promote gender equality and increase the visibility of Zonta International. Across Taiwan, Zonta clubs are advocating for change through street campaigns, social media activities and community engagements, encouraging public involvement in the fight to end violence.

Participants shared experiences and insights, fostering dialogue to create a safer, more inclusive society. The campaign reinforces the commitment to a world where women live free from fear and violence, aligning with the belief that women’s rights are human rights.

Zonta Club of Dhaka IV advocates for gender equality through community engagement

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Empowering Youth at BKSP
On 28 November, the Zonta Club of Dhaka IV, Bangladesh, held an advocacy program at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP), engaging adolescent students and young athletes to promote gender equality and raise awareness about gender-based violence.

Governor District 25, Dr. Zareen Delawar, joined the event, inspiring participants to champion equality in their families and communities. Young athletes expressed their commitment to creating a respectful and violence-free future, aligning with Zonta’s mission to empower future leaders.

Engaging Men to Foster Respect in Families
On 4 December, the club hosted an advocacy session at Gulshan Ladies Community Club, targeting men from the day laborer community. Advocacy Chair Advocate Hasina Rashid led discussions on respecting women and empowering daughters through education.

Participants reflected on family dynamics, with one attendee vowing to promote respect at home. By addressing the root causes of gender inequality, the event aimed to build equitable and respectful communities.

Zonta Club of Isabela advocates for empowerment and sustainability through diverse initiatives

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Day 11: Advocating for Democracy and Women’s Rights
In partnership with xFM, Zonta Club of Isabela’s BOSES ng Zonta campaign highlighted the importance of informed voting for the 2025 Midterm Elections. Led by COMELEC Officer Atty. Maria Johanna N. Vallejo, the initiative emphasized addressing societal issues like gender-based violence while fostering a fair and just society through empowered voters.

Day 12: Addressing Violence and Promoting Sustainability
The club collaborated with Mallig Plains National High School to host a symposium on the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009, with keynote speaker Atty. Clarissa Favor shedding light on privacy violations and gender-based violence. The session focused on actionable steps to support survivors and raise awareness.

Later, the club signed an MOA with Solution Permaculture in Tumauini, promoting sustainable practices to combat climate change and reduce inequalities. This partnership aligns with Zonta’s mission to address climate justice and its impact on women and girls.