abuse

Zonta Club of Accra II engages youth to combat gender-based violence

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As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Accra II, Ghana, conducted an awareness campaign in three junior high schools, urging students to report domestic violence cases. Both boys and girls were advised to speak up to parents, community elders or teachers, with escalation to the Police or Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit when necessary, accompanied by an adult.

Students learned about real cases of gender-based violence, including defilement, rape and physical assault, in an interactive session that included a Q&A segment. Some students reported incidents, which were passed on to school heads for follow-up and counseling. The session concluded with a call to action, as students and Zontians raised their hands to say NO to Violence Against Women and Girls.

In collaboration with other Zonta Clubs in Ghana, the National Theatre was illuminated in orange to raise awareness and amplify the message of the campaign.

Zonta Club of Parma promotes gender equality through inspiring female athletes

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The Zonta Club of Parma, Italy, hosted an empowering event featuring female athletes from An exciting meeting with the athletes of Parma Calcio 1913, of Zebre Parma rugby and with the very young judoka, winner of the bronze medal at the world championships, Rebecca Valeriani. With journalist Pietro Razzini moderating, the athletes shared stories of determination, resilience and overcoming challenges to achieve excellence in their sports.

Discussions with coaches and technical staff highlighted the importance of respect and sensitivity in fostering a culture of equality in women’s sports. The event emphasized how sports can challenge gender stereotypes, promote equal opportunities and inspire young women to pursue their dreams.

Sponsored by the City of Parma, the event concluded with a show of solidarity as the rugby team invited Zonta members to their match, where a minute of silence was observed to honor victims of violence against women.

Zonta Club of Jamestown, ND, empowers women through self-defense class

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During the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Jamestown, ND, USA, hosted a self-defense class at the local art center, focusing on situational awareness, active shooter scenarios and responses to unexpected situations.

The event featured a member from Damsel in Defense and a local female police officer, who provided expert guidance and answered questions from attendees. The session, held just after an active shooter incident in the area, underscored the importance of empowering women with safety knowledge and building confidence in handling violent situations.

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 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 Basel says NO to psychological violence

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The Zonta Club of Basel, Switzerland, took part in numerous activities during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
from 25 November to 10 December.

As the main focus this year in Switzerland is psychological violence, also called mental abuse, the club wanted to make invisible violence visible!

More than 40% of women in Europe are affected by experiences of psychological violence. 20% of women have experienced stalking at least once in their life. Patriarchal structures, the devaluation of women and unequal power relations constitute the breeding ground for this violence. These social relations also lead to the trivialization of gender-based violence.

The club raised awareness of the issue by creating cartoons representing ten typical situations of mental abuse, such as generating feelings of guilt, stalking, humiliation, financial pressure, belittling and more, which are often subtle and invisible from the outside.

These cartoons are exhibited in several public spaces at various locations in Basel, such as the University hospital, University library, open neighborhood meeting points, high schools, restaurants, shops and more, where women (and men) from any age and any social or cultural background could watch at their own pace, without being observed.

“These cartoons are a wonderful way to catch people’s attention and make them think of this type of domestic violence,” said a host.

The exhibition was opened on 25 November by the head of violence protection and victim support, Sonia Roest Vontobel, and the government councilor of the Canton of Basel City, Stefanie Eymann.

Stefanie highlighted the role of every party, from local associations to competent authorities, on this major issue.

“Psychological violence happens very often within one’s own four walls. Therefore, projects have been started to increase the sensitization of people and to provide tools and proposals for support and help,” said Stefanie.

To make the impact of this campaign more visible, media and social media coverage were very supportive, and the club promoted the campaign through local TV, radio, and the press. Information and addresses are also provided where women and girls can turn if necessary.

With this, Vice Club President Christina Rheinhardt and the club encourage people to think of their behavior and promote non-violent behavior.

Finally, every year, the club continued the Orange the World campaign by lighting orange buildings in the city center, which ties in with one of the most significant annual advocacy campaigns, Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women.