16DaysofActivism

Zonta Club of Luzern Landschaft hosts advocacy event on cyberbullying and mental health

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The Zonta Club of Luzern Landschaft, Switzerland, held its first advocacy event as part of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign on 19 November. The event, in collaboration with Zeitgut Regio Sursee, featured bullying expert Christelle Schläpfer, who provided insights into the psychological impact of (cyber)bullying in schools and society.   

Christelle, founder of the consulting firm “edufamily,” specializes in training professionals, resolving school bullying cases, and supporting families of affected children. Her presentation shed light on the immense psychological pressure young people face today and demonstrated methods used in cyberbullying. She offered practical solutions and strategies to address these challenges, leaving the audience both informed and inspired.   

The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with attendees noting the valuable tips they could apply in their own families and communities.   

The cooperative Zeitgut Regio Sursee, which partnered on this event, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting neighborhood assistance. They connect volunteers with those in need, helping individuals, including the elderly and those with mental health challenges, to live independently and maintain stability.

Zonta Club of Bendigo Inc Says NO to violence against women

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The Zonta Club of Bendigo Inc, Australia, has launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign with the release of a video titled Respect Is, shared on the club’s newly created YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/bYhdPa00_H0.

As a member of the Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence (GBAFV) Committee, the club is sponsoring an evening with Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic. Dokic will share her experiences of overcoming war, bullying, and domestic violence at the hands of her father and tennis coach. The event, which quickly booked nearly 1,000 tickets, promises to be a compelling highlight of the campaign.

The GBAFV Committee has also organized a daily calendar of events throughout the 16 Days of Activism, with Zonta members actively participating in many activities. In preparation, club members have knitted and crocheted orange flowers, which will adorn the fence of the Bendigo Conservatory in the town center. The Conservatory itself will be illuminated in orange for the duration of the campaign, symbolizing support for the elimination of violence against women and girls.

Zonta Club of Bangkok IX installs new Z club and hosts lecture on violence against women

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On 14 November, the Zonta Club of Bangkok IX, Thailand, led by President Dr. Sunjutha Witchawut, installed a Z Club at Phanomthuanchanupatham School in Kanchanaburi Province.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Zonta District 17 Lt. Governor Z. Runcha Boribalburibhand, Area 6 Director Z. Inthira Sawadpanich and District 17 Z and Golden Z Club Committee Vice Chair Z. Natpapha Jiirakulkij, who performed the installation. President Sunjutha presented the Z Club flag along with a donation of 10,000 THB to support the new club’s activities.

Also in attendance were Panida Pathumarak, Area 6 Club Creator, members of the Zonta Club of Bangkok III, and Z Club members from Visuttharangsi Kanchanaburi School, who observed the ceremony as part of their preparation for their own upcoming Z Club installation.

Following the installation, the school hosted a special lecture on stopping violence against women, raising awareness among students and educating them on addressing this critical issue.

Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area illuminates Lift Bridge orange

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The Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area, USA, gathered at the Ashtabula Lift Bridge, illuminated in orange to support the Zonta Says NO campaign. Joined by County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski, the event highlighted the club’s efforts to address domestic abuse and support women recovering from abusive situations. Casey commended the club’s ongoing work and encouraged collective action to prevent abuse, particularly against women and girls.

Following the bridge lighting, members visited two high-traffic billboards displaying Zonta Says NO messaging and the abuse hotline. These billboards, which have previously drawn new members to the club, ensure the message reaches a broad audience.

The club continues to partner with local shelters and transitional living facilities to provide vital support for women and girls in the community.

Zonta Club of Adelaide Flinders Inc amplifies awareness with Orange Lady displays

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This year, the Zonta Club of Adelaide Flinders Inc, Australia, is spreading its message against gender-based violence with impactful displays of Orange Ladies, along with the distribution of information, orange ribbons, and orange “hug” hearts.

The displays have been placed at Local Government Community and Women’s Information Centres, as well as various local businesses. On 28 November and 4 December, the club will host a display on The Parade in Norwood, where Zontians will hand out orange ribbons to engage the community in raising awareness.

Zonta Club of Whitsundays Inc launches Orange Lady Campaign for 16 Days of Activism

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During the United Nations’ annual 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, the Zonta Club of Whitsundays Inc, Australia, spearheads the local campaign by placing bright orange figures, known as “Orange Ladies,” throughout the community.

The Orange Lady, a global symbol of Zonta’s Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, represents the hope for a future free of violence against women and girls. The initiative aims to raise awareness and inspire action in the fight against gender-based violence.

Zonta Club of Harrisburg-Hersey says NO to lenient PFA consequences

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The Zonta Club of Harrisburg-Hershey, USA, part of District 3, hosted an assembly in partnership with Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties on 12 November at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

The event focused on advocating for stricter penalties, including increased costs and extended time served, for violations of Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders. Six speakers addressed the issue, sharing insights and actionable strategies to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence.

To view the presentations and learn more about this critical topic, visit: https://www.youtube.com/@ZontaClubofHarrisburg-Hershey.

Zonta Rockhampton Inc hosts Zonta Says NO breakfast 

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Zonta Rockhampton Inc, Australia, launched its 2024 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign with its second Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women breakfast, attracting over 100 attendees—more than double the attendance of the previous year.

The event featured three influential speakers addressing domestic and family violence:

  • Sherele Moody, founder of Australian Femicide Watch and the Red Heart Campaign, shared a powerful presentation featuring profiles of Australian women who lost their lives to violence.
  • Inspector Ben Wiltshire from Capricornia Queensland Police highlighted law enforcement’s critical and growing role in responding to domestic violence incidents.
  • Louise Hayes, founder of CQ Health Families, discussed her organization’s work supporting families in the Rockhampton region and promoting respectful relationships through the Love Bites school program.

Attendees praised the valuable insights shared and pledged to discuss the issues with family and friends to foster awareness and action against violence in the community.

Zonta Club of Atlántico Sur’s 16 Days of Activism

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On 25 November, the Zonta Club of Atlántico Sur, Uruguay, will begin the 16 Days of Activism campaign with an expansion of last year’s successful Orange Benches initiative across the area. The campaign, focused on the message “Say NO to violence against women and girls,” will feature regular updates on social media and the organization’s website.

As part of the campaign, the district will proudly present From Caterpillar to Butterfly, a thought-provoking play about gender violence, in the city of Pan de Azúcar. The performance aims to raise awareness and spark dialogue on the issue, with strong support and coverage from local media.

Zonta e-Club of Matera hosts Shades of Narcissism

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The Zonta e-Club of Matera, Italy, is set to host an event titled Shades of Narcissism, aiming to shed light on the hidden forms of violence that often go unnoticed. The event will encourage deep reflection on these covert issues while promoting prevention and healing for this widespread social concern.

The program will feature psychologists, field experts and journalists who will share insights and strategies to address the impact of narcissism in relationships and society.