violence-against-women

Zonta Club of Fleurieu Peninsula Inc’s 16 Days of Activism

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The Zonta Club Fleurieu Peninsula Inc, Australia, actively engaged the community with impactful initiatives during the 16 Days of Activism, focusing on raising awareness of gender-based violence and advocating for change.

Community Awareness Walk Against Gender-Based Violence
The club collaborated with Junction Australia-Fleurieu and the Haven Women’s Information Service for the inaugural walk against gender-based violence in Goolwa. Participants, joined by beautiful weather, marched down Cadell Street to the riverfront, where they observed a respectful silence for women killed by their partners this year. Eye-catching banners with the message “Zonta Says No” were also displayed roadside in Victor Harbor and outside Goolwa Secondary College.

Film Night Advocacy
The club hosted a special film screening of Lee during the campaign at Victor Harbor. Before the screening, club members highlighted Zonta’s global mission to end violence against women and girls. Guest speaker Tammy Elvin, Regional Manager for Junction Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island, shared insights into Junction’s role in the region and announced upcoming emergency accommodations for women at risk of homelessness.

Through advocacy, collaboration, and impactful events, the Zonta Club reinforced its commitment to a world free of violence against women and girls.

Zonta of Club of Cheyenne hosts silent witness march and domestic violence discussion

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On 2 December, the Zonta Club of Cheyenne, USA, led a Silent Witness March in downtown Cheyenne to honor local victims of domestic violence. Community members joined the march, carrying silhouettes representing individuals killed by domestic partners or family members. Following the march, participants shared personal stories of loss and survival, creating a powerful space for reflection and awareness.

The silhouettes were later displayed at the community library, where the public could read about the victims throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

As part of the campaign, the club also secured proclamations from the Governor of Wyoming and the Mayor of Cheyenne, recognizing the urgency of ending gender-based violence.

The Silent Witness events garnered local media coverage, amplifying the club’s message and advocacy efforts to promote awareness and action against domestic violence.

Zonta Club of Stanthorpe Inc says NO to violence against women

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On 29 November, more than 100 residents of the small township of Stanthorpe in rural Queensland, Australia, took a stand against domestic and family violence, led by members of Zonta Club of Stanthorpe Inc, Australia. Local community organizations including Southern Downs Regional Council, Rotary International, Queensland Police Service and Lions Club of Stanthorpe, recognized the international campaign Zonta Says NO to Gender Based Violence with a vigil and walk through the streets of the small rural town in Australia. Landmarks and parks were lit orange and a series of orange footsteps were placed along the street and remained for the 16 Days of Activism .

Zonta club of Dhaka III empowers futures and breaks barriers

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Empowering Underprivileged Girls at Abinte Kabir Foundation
On 5 December, the Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, organized an advocacy program at the Abinte Kabir Foundation, a school for underprivileged girls. The initiative focused on addressing early child marriage and gender-based violence (GBV).

The event included the donation of a sanitary napkin dispenser to improve menstrual hygiene, reducing school absenteeism and empowering young girls to pursue education uninterrupted. Distinguished attendees, including the Past Governor of District 25 and the club’s leadership, emphasized education as a critical tool for combating child marriage and GBV, aligning with Zonta’s mission to advance gender equality.

Awareness Program at Shishu Bikash Kendra (SBK)
On 7 December, the club held a similar program at SBK, a club-funded school for underprivileged children. The initiative highlighted the importance of education as a means to fight GBV and early child marriage, benefiting 130 children from vulnerable families.

Interactive sessions engaged parents and students, addressing the adverse health effects of early marriage and promoting women’s and children’s rights. Parents shared their challenges, while Zonta leaders offered practical solutions to prioritize education.

Both events reflect the club’s commitment to empowering communities, fostering awareness and breaking cycles of inequality through education and advocacy.

Zonta Club of Yverdon-les-Bains shines light on gender-based violence

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  • Screenshot

As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, illuminated the main square in orange, symbolizing solidarity with the fight against gender-based violence.

A display of 19 pairs of shoes hung from the windows of the Town Hall, representing the 19 feminicides in Switzerland from 1 January to 25 November 2024. This impactful visual aimed to honor victims and raise public awareness about the urgency of addressing violence against women.

Zonta Club of Hualien’s response to the 16 Days of Activism

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The Zonta Club of Hualien, Taiwan, launched the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women campaign alongside its social service activities. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about Zonta’s commitment to opposing domestic violence and empowering women to break free from abusive situations.

Club president Peng Liping emphasized the importance of helping women understand their rights and encouraging them to stand up to their abusers. By doing so, the initiative seeks to prevent women and their children from enduring the long-term effects of violence and fosters a future free from its shadow.

Zonta Club of Isabela concludes the 16 Days of Activism with service and advocacy

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Day 15: A day of outreach and service

As part of Zonta International’s mission to advance the status of women, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, held an outreach activity at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Cauayan City. The initiative launched a livelihood project focused on food processing, providing financial assistance as startup capital for incarcerated women.

This program aligns with Zonta’s global advocacy to eliminate violence against women and promote economic empowerment. It equips women in detention with skills for self-sufficiency and better opportunities post-incarceration, addressing challenges like poverty and lack of education.

Through skills training, financial support and advocacy, the project fosters rehabilitation and reintegration, offering a pathway to a brighter future. Together, the club continues to say NO to violence and YES to opportunities for women in need.

Day 16: A day of advocacy and allyship

The club concluded its 16 Days of Activism campaign in Quezon, Isabela, with a day of advocacy and allyship, focusing on eradicating violence against women and empowering the community to champion gender equality.

The event featured discussions on critical gender-based laws:

  • Cybercrime Laws presented by Zontian Atty. Clarisse Favor, covering R.A. 11930 (Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Act), R.A. 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act), and cyber libel provisions under R.A. 10175.
  • Support for Victim-Survivors by Zontian Teresita Calabazaron, former head of the Women and Children Center in Isabela, focusing on sheltering and aiding survivors.

Community members, local leaders and advocates explored strategies to combat online gender-based violence and protect minors. Discussions emphasized the collective responsibility to monitor online activities and provide support to survivors.

The campaign strengthened allyship, empowering men and boys to actively support gender equality and ensuring all voices contributed to the dialogue.

Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the Zonta Says NO campaign reinforced Zonta International’s mission to eliminate violence against women and build a world rooted in equality and dignity.

Zonta Club of Joliet Area marches to end violence against women

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On 6 December, members of the Zonta Club of Joliet Area, USA, alongside community church leaders and staff from Guardian Angel Community Services, braved the cold to march through downtown Joliet, raising awareness and calling for an end to violence against women.

The march culminated at the site of the former Will County Courthouse, where attendees, joined by drummers, gathered for a rally. Joliet City Council members Jan Quillman and Cesar Guerrero delivered powerful speeches, urging men to become advocates against domestic violence and support efforts to eradicate it in all communities.

The event concluded with participants collectively reading the Zonta Says No Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to the cause and uniting in the fight to end violence.

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 Hong Kong unites for advocacy

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Walking for Awareness
Members of Z Clubs from St. Paul’s Convent School and Hong Kong International School, alongside the Golden Z Club of the University of Hong Kong, joined Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, members for a walk on Victoria Peak. The event, “United We Walk – ‘Zonta Says No’ Peak Challenge,” aimed to raise awareness for the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women, uniting participants in a powerful demonstration of solidarity.

Digital Poster Competition
In the same event, the Z Club of St. Paul’s Convent School won the digital poster competition. Their impactful poster is displayed in 14 prominent locations within the school and shared via Instagram and WhatsApp, reaching an estimated audience of 2,000 students, staff and visitors, amplifying the campaign’s message.