16DaysofActivism

Zonta Club of Noosa Inc hosts annual walk against domestic violence

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The Zonta Club of Noosa Inc, Australia, held its annual Walk Against Domestic and Family Violence on 1 December, as part of its 16 Days of Activism campaign. The event brought together Zonta members, community supporters and local dignitaries to raise awareness about domestic and family violence.

Senior Constable Mark Jones, the Domestic Violence Liaison Officer at Noosa Heads Police Station, provided an update on the local situation, revealing that an alarming 76% of police call-outs in the area are related to domestic and family violence.

Mayor Frank Wilkie and Councillors Karen Finzel and Nicola Wilson attended to show their support, alongside Zonta District Governor Petra Ludwig and Jenny Spence from the Zonta Club of Maroochy.

Zonta Club of Hong Kong launches program to combat intergenerational violence

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The Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, partnered with women at the TWGHs Cease Crisis Centre to advance the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women advocacy campaign, launching the A2A Awareness to Action Program on 30 November.

The initiative focuses on supporting victims of violence staying at the Cease Crisis Centre, helping them rebuild confidence and reintegrate into society. The program also seeks to raise public awareness to prevent intergenerational violence and intimate partner abuse.

As part of the campaign, participants created a symbolic circle painting emphasizing the importance of communication, cooperation and creative solutions for fostering healthy family relationships. The artwork now hangs at the entrance of TWGHs TungPo, a youth-focused creative and innovative center in Hong Kong, where its message of “Say No to Violence” will reach hundreds of young people during the 16 Days of Activism.

Zonta Club of Isabela launches solar light initiative to combat violence

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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.

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

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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 Black Hills advocates against violence with local support

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The Zonta Club of Black Hills, USA, took a stand against domestic violence during the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, supported by a proclamation from Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun. The proclamation underscored the importance of Zonta’s global advocacy efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls.

An intimate press conference was held as part of the campaign. Attendees included two women officers from the Sheriff’s Department specializing in domestic violence cases and Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick.

A letter to the editor of the Rapid City Journal was sent, urging the community to join the Zonta Says NO campaign and take collective action to combat violence.

Zonta Club of Dhaka III supports survivor of violence

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As part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, shared the compelling story of Tamanna, a young girl who endured the hardships of early child marriage and domestic abuse. Married at a young age, Tamanna faced torment from her husband and in-laws before being divorced, as her father—a struggling rickshaw puller—could not provide a dowry.

Her struggles continued in her second marriage, where her husband abandoned her while she was two months pregnant.

The club has stepped in to support Tamanna, offering financial assistance, healthcare and emotional guidance. Her story underscores the urgent need to address the challenges faced by women and girls, reinforcing the importance of the 16 Days of Activism and the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

Zonta Clubs of Ibadan launch Zonta Says NO with advocacy event

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The Zonta Clubs of Ibadan I and II, Nigeria, joined forces to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with a flag-off ceremony at the Zonta clubhouse and Alesheloye Market.

The event signified the start of the 16 Days of Activism. During the ceremony, club members emphasized the importance of the Zonta Says NO campaign, held one-on-one discussions with market traders and buyers and held an open-air broadcast.

The club called for collective action to SPEAK UP and say NO to violence. The club firmly believes violence is not confined to a small portion of a distant community; it surrounds us.

Zonta Club of Lahti highlights women’s rights with creative advocacy

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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.

Zonta Club of Hiidenvesi brings attention to dating abuse and workplace harassment

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The Zonta Club of Hiidenvesi, Finland, launched its Zonta Says NO campaign with a compelling message in a local newspaper, shedding light on the seriousness of dating abuse in young relationships. The club emphasized that these experiences are not “teenage drama” but constitute violence, urging friends, parents and other adults to recognize the signs, take action and support young people who disclose such experiences.

The club also organized impactful displays in local libraries addressing sexual harassment in the workplace. Featuring striking orange female figures and real-life stories of women who have experienced harassment, the exhibits aim to raise awareness, foster understanding and spark meaningful dialogue about this critical issue.

Zonta Club of Laguna presents BeCause: Be the Cause

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On the first day of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Laguna, Philippines, launched its campaign with a virtual presentation led by immediate past president Ancy Palma at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines—San Pedro Campus. Titled “BeCause: Be The Cause — VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon Na Ang Oras” (Be The Cause – Let’s End VAW, Now Is The Time), the event educated and inspired over 200 students to take a stand against gender-based violence.

The 45-minute talk highlighted the realities of Violence Against Women (VAW), exploring its various forms, debunking myths and revealing lesser-known types of abuse, all contextualized within the Philippine setting. Participants reflected on the far-reaching impact of VAW on families, communities and the economy, with one student noting, “This talk was an eye-opener. I never realized how many forms violence can take and how it affects not just the victim, but the entire community.”

Students were encouraged to take action, emphasizing that ending VAW is a collective responsibility. “As a young man, I think it’s so important that we’re part of this conversation. Ending VAW is not just a women’s issue; it’s a human rights issue,” shared John, a male attendee.

By partnering with the Golden Z Club, the club engaged the next generation of advocates, expanding their reach among youth and fostering future leaders committed to ending VAW. The event at PUP-San Pedro was a pivotal moment in the campaign. By educating and empowering university students, the club is nurturing a generation of advocates who will carry the torch of change, spreading awareness and taking action in their communities.