violence-against-women

Zonta Club of Hsinchu partners with local community to say NO to violence against women

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The Zonta Club of Hsinchu, Taiwan, marked another year of community impact on 8 November by sponsoring charitable organizations and leading advocacy efforts at the 34th Flea Market in Hsinchu Science Park.

In addition to donating to the Modern Women’s Foundation, the club invited community members to participate in the “Zonta Says NO to Violence” campaign, which received enthusiastic support. Club President Ada Lin emphasized that the campaign transcends age, gender and location, noting that this year’s efforts united participants across three generations—youth, adults and seniors—as well as men who joined in solidarity. She said this broadened engagement helped spark meaningful community-wide dialogue on ending gender-based violence.

Lin highlighted that the club not only increased its number of charity booths but also encouraged residents to support long-standing nonprofit organizations by purchasing donated items. The beneficiaries included the Modern Women’s Foundation, the Taiwan Association for Happy Breathing Children – Hsinchu Branch, and disadvantaged women.

During the event, volunteers from the Modern Women’s Foundation raised 8,000 NT dollars through their charity sale. President Lin and club members contributed an additional 20,000 NT dollars to support the foundation’s ongoing advocacy for women’s and children’s rights.

The club has participated in the Science Park’s second-hand flea market for many years, reinforcing environmental sustainability while supporting vulnerable populations. This year’s event strengthened community interaction, elevated the club’s visibility and successfully mobilized the public to take part in the “Zonta Says NO to Violence” campaign, one of the key highlights of the market.

Zontians in Latvia, Sweden and Finland stand strong for human rights in Latvia

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On 6 November, Zontians from Latvia, Sweden (District 21) and Finland (District 20) united to protest Latvia’s proposed withdrawal from the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention, the landmark international treaty aimed at preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

Urgent action was required after the Latvian Parliament voted to begin the process of withdrawal. Zonta District 21 Governor Margareta Munge immediately wrote to President Edgars Rinkēvičs, requesting him to reject the Parliament’s decision.

Civil society organizations across Latvia launched a coordinated advocacy campaign lasting several weeks. Actions included daily protests outside the Parliament building, widespread social media awareness, active participation in parliamentary committee debates and an online petition gathering public support. The protests culminated on 6 November in a mass demonstration in Riga, where more than 10,000 people gathered to oppose the withdrawal. Solidarity protests took place across Europe, with Zontians joining demonstrations in Stockholm and Helsinki.

These efforts contributed to a crucial development: President Rinkēvičs formally requested that the Parliament postpone its final vote until after the country’s 2026 election. This provides vital time to continue working to ensure Latvia remains committed to the international treaty protecting women and girls.

Initiatives are everywhere: Zonta Club of Hualien advocates during District 31 Annual Meeting

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Club President Peng Liping of the Zonta Club of Hualien, Taiwan, led 21 members and their families to attend the Zonta International District 31 Annual Meeting in Tainan, Taiwan.

Along the way, the group stopped at Duoliang Station in Taitung, one of the most beautiful train stations in Taiwan, where they held a “Zonta Says NO” advocacy activity to raise awareness about ending violence against women. There were many tourists on the scene, making the initiative very effective.

Before the official opening of the annual meeting on 11 October, members also visited Taijiang National Park to continue their “Zonta Says NO” advocacy. Through these activities, the club aimed to spread Zonta’s mission and increase public understanding of the organization’s goals throughout Taiwan.

In the news: Zonta club hosts dometic violence awareness walk

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In recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Zonta Club of Elizabethtown, USA, recently held it’s Seventh annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk.

Club members and participants carried signs along Ring Road in front of Derm Specialist and Blue Oval businesses to draw attention to the issue. Signs were then posted along the road and will remain up until the end of October.

Kentucky has the second-highest ranking for domestic violence in the nation. There were 7,964 arrests in 2024.

In the last reporting period for fatalities, 2023, Kentucky had 26 deaths, and all were women. Nineteen of these were gun violence-related. SpringHaven Domestic Violence Program, serving the eight counties in the area, served 181 domestic violence victims in the shelter and 883 others.

Club President Linda Funk reported that in the five weeks prior to the walk, the local paper reported arrests for 12 domestic violence-related assaults, six strangulation charges, one EPO violation, a dating violence arrest, a rape, and a September article that referenced a June incident involving a father shooting a gun at the mother of his 6-year-old child during a visitation transfer.

The guest speaker for the walk, John Wright, director of public relations for the Hardin County Schools, said there are 14,600 students in the system, and the issue of children experiencing domestic violence is a concern.

Wright said there are 3,000-plus staff in HCS, and fortunately, a good portion of them are ladies, and if not, schools likely would not function as well.

In thanking Wright, Funk encouraged everyone to speak out against violence and especially asked that men speak up and be a voice against domestic violence.

Zonta’s Mission, both locally and internationally, is to advocate against gender-based violence. Zonta also advocates against child marriage, human trafficking, and addresses issues of fairness and equality for women and girls academically and in the workplace. Additionally, Zonta has an interest in promoting awareness of climate change and its impact on women.

For information about Zonta, go to Facebook or for meetings or membership inquiries, call or text Kelly Roark at 270-401-8141.

Read the full article here: https://www.thenewsenterprise.com/features/neighbors/zonta-hosts-domestic-violence-awareness-walk/article_b9ac5ee8-f0f5-5c24-9f5b-9bedd084ba98.html

District 14 Conference in Aschaffenburg: For women´s rights and against violence

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During the Zonta District 14 Conference in Aschaffenburg, 37 clubs and 3 Golden Z Clubs exchanged ideas and discussed gender equality, women’s rights, education, violence prevention and the effects of climate change, which women worldwide suffer from the most.

Late on Saturday afternoon, all participating Zontians and students drew attention to Zonta’s stand against violence against women with orange umbrellas at Aschaffenburg’s market square,

Zonta Club of Taoyuan’s “Love Without Limits” series

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The Zonta Club of Taoyuan, Taiwan, joined six other clubs in presenting the “Respecting Her, Infinite Possibilities” joint exhibition, highlighting Zonta’s global mission to create a better world for women and girls.

Under the theme “Love Without Limits,” the Taoyuan club’s exhibit celebrated the core values of Zonta International through artistic expression. The display reflected the organization’s commitment to women’s empowerment, climate action and the prevention of child marriage, symbolizing the diverse and inclusive spirit of Zonta.

The exhibition invited viewers to explore the many facets of womanhood: strength, resilience, compassion and leadership, while showcasing the transformative power of service and advocacy.

Modhupur Adult Training Program

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The Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, has launched a new project to empower Garo women in Modhupur, about 100 miles from the capital, through sustainable craft training.

In the Garo community, women often shoulder full responsibility for their families. To help improve their livelihoods, the club is providing skills training for 20 women every four months to create bamboo items such as trays, lampshades and coasters. Once trained, the women can sell their products, gaining financial independence and stability.

The club president, past governor and members of the club attended the opening ceremony of the project, which aims to ensure better access to food, housing, healthcare and education for participants and their families. The initiative also promotes respect, empowerment and freedom from violence through economic independence.

In the news: ‘Violence isn’t inevitable’: Zonta Noosa leads local push for change

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“Domestic and family violence isn’t inevitable,” says Zonta Noosa president Tracey Stubbs, ahead of a regional forum aimed at driving change.

The combined Zonta clubs of the Sunshine Coast will be hosting a domestic and family violence prevention forum at UniSC on Friday 8 November.

“Change starts locally, and every voice makes a difference,” Tracey said.

Join service providers, advocates, and people with lived experience of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) for a powerful day of learning, sharing, and action.

Speakers include Jo Mason (Founder and CEO, Workhaven); Acting Magistrate Raelene Ellis; Snr Sergeant Jonathon McBride (Sunshine Coast DFV and Vulnerable Persons Unit); and representatives from Women’s Legal Service Queensland.

The forum will explore how communities of practice – collaborative networks that prioritise safety, inclusivity, and respect – can strengthen prevention, response, and recovery for those affected by DFV.

The event coincides with Zonta International’s anniversary, marking over a century of global work to improve women’s health, expand economic opportunities, and prevent gender-based violence.

Forum details are at: www.trybooking.com/DFPRE

Read the full article here: ‘Violence isn’t inevitable’: Zonta Noosa leads local push for change | Noosa Today

Zonta Club of Hualien combines social activities to advocate for Zonta Says NO

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The Zonta Club of Hualien, Taiwan, gathered with their families to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, blending festivity with purpose as they promoted Zonta International’s “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign.

Before the celebration began, Club President Liping Peng encouraged members and guests to join the global effort to end gender-based violence. She emphasized that the club aims to integrate advocacy into its regular activities so that more people can understand Zonta’s mission and values. The goal of their efforts is for everyone to gain a deeper understanding of Zonta’s purpose. Through each initiative, the club hopes people will get to know more about Zonta.

To expand their reach, the club shared the event and campaign highlights on social media, using digital platforms to amplify the message and inspire others to take part in the movement.

Zonta District 8 ignites a wave of hope in orange

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On 20 September, Zonta members of all ages—from high school students to longtime advocates—gathered at Everett’s waterfront in a sea of orange to take part in the Zonta Says NO Orange Walk. The event, held during the District 8 “Women Soar” Conference, served as both a call to action and a demonstration of solidarity against gender-based violence.

Participants walked in bold orange shirts, scarves and signs, symbols of Zonta International’s global campaign to end violence against women and girls. The display of unity and determination reflected the organization’s century-long commitment to advancing gender equality through advocacy and service.

This is more than just a walk to the Zonta district—it’s a movement. The event underscores the energy and camaraderie shared throughout the day.

Organizers emphasized that the Orange Walk is only one step in an ongoing journey. Zonta clubs and members are encouraged to carry the momentum forward by supporting survivors, volunteering at shelters, challenging harmful attitudes and continuing to advocate for stronger protections worldwide.

The annual Orange Walk highlights Zonta’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal No. 5: achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Through campaigns such as Zonta Says NO, members across the globe strive to build a safer, more equal future.

As the event concluded, participants linked arms along the Everett waterfront, symbolizing the shared vision that drives Zonta’s mission.