Zonta Club of Malden’s Silent Witness event kick off

The Zonta Club of Malden, USA, with the Malden Z club, launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign with a Silent Witness event honoring victims of domestic violence in Massachusetts. During the event, Zonta members read the names of homicide victims from January to September 2024, shedding light on the ongoing crisis.

A commemorative display will remain at Malden City Hall throughout the 16-day campaign, complemented by additional activities, including a billboard promoting the “Zonta Says No” initiative, a postcard campaign advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment and a social media drive to raise awareness and foster allyship.

The club also aims to raise donations during the campaign to support its ongoing project of assembling blessing bags for organizations aiding survivors of domestic violence. These efforts underline Zonta’s commitment to advocating for gender equality and supporting those impacted by violence.

Zonta District 31 says NO to violence against women

On 4 December, Zonta District 31 leaders gathered at Taipei 101 to participate in the global “Orange the World – End Violence Against Women” campaign, part of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism. The event, hosted by District 31’s Area 1 Director Shiow-Hua Chiou and led by District Governor Diana Cheng, took place at Diamond Tony’s Restaurant on the 85th floor.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence, promote gender equality and increase the visibility of Zonta International. Across Taiwan, Zonta clubs are advocating for change through street campaigns, social media activities and community engagements, encouraging public involvement in the fight to end violence.

Participants shared experiences and insights, fostering dialogue to create a safer, more inclusive society. The campaign reinforces the commitment to a world where women live free from fear and violence, aligning with the belief that women’s rights are human rights.

Zonta Club of Dhaka IV advocates for gender equality through community engagement

Empowering Youth at BKSP
On 28 November, the Zonta Club of Dhaka IV, Bangladesh, held an advocacy program at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP), engaging adolescent students and young athletes to promote gender equality and raise awareness about gender-based violence.

Governor District 25, Dr. Zareen Delawar, joined the event, inspiring participants to champion equality in their families and communities. Young athletes expressed their commitment to creating a respectful and violence-free future, aligning with Zonta’s mission to empower future leaders.

Engaging Men to Foster Respect in Families
On 4 December, the club hosted an advocacy session at Gulshan Ladies Community Club, targeting men from the day laborer community. Advocacy Chair Advocate Hasina Rashid led discussions on respecting women and empowering daughters through education.

Participants reflected on family dynamics, with one attendee vowing to promote respect at home. By addressing the root causes of gender inequality, the event aimed to build equitable and respectful communities.

Zonta Club of Isabela advocates for empowerment and sustainability through diverse initiatives

Day 11: Advocating for Democracy and Women’s Rights
In partnership with xFM, Zonta Club of Isabela’s BOSES ng Zonta campaign highlighted the importance of informed voting for the 2025 Midterm Elections. Led by COMELEC Officer Atty. Maria Johanna N. Vallejo, the initiative emphasized addressing societal issues like gender-based violence while fostering a fair and just society through empowered voters.

Day 12: Addressing Violence and Promoting Sustainability
The club collaborated with Mallig Plains National High School to host a symposium on the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009, with keynote speaker Atty. Clarissa Favor shedding light on privacy violations and gender-based violence. The session focused on actionable steps to support survivors and raise awareness.

Later, the club signed an MOA with Solution Permaculture in Tumauini, promoting sustainable practices to combat climate change and reduce inequalities. This partnership aligns with Zonta’s mission to address climate justice and its impact on women and girls.

Zonta Club of Kauai’s proclamation on the 16 Days of Activism

On 25 November, Zonta Club of Kauai, USA, members joined County Mayor Derek Kawakami at the Kauai County Rotunda to launch the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.

The campaign featured impactful initiatives, including the orange lighting of the Historic County Building, encouragement for businesses to display orange lights, social media outreach and sign waving. Media coverage amplified the message through radio interviews, newspaper articles and local video segments, while word of mouth further spread awareness.

The club’s efforts emphasize the importance of community collaboration in advocating for a world free from gender-based violence.

Zonta Club of Tuguegarao renews pledge to end gender-based violence

On the second day of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, Philippines, reaffirmed its commitment to ending gender-based violence by sharing the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women pledge on its Facebook page.

This pledge reflects the club’s vision of a world where women and girls are treated with dignity, respect and equality. By amplifying the message online, the club aims to raise awareness and inspire collective action toward a violence-free future.

Zonta Club Dhaka II advocates for women’s rights and education

In collaboration with Tairrunnessa Memorial Medical College Hospital, the Zonta Club of Dhaka II, Bangladesh, conducted an advocacy session on women’s rights, focusing on the health impacts of early child marriage. Renowned surgeon Professor Dr. Ranajit Kumar Mallik addressed 20 local women, empowering them to raise awareness in their communities, particularly in slum areas where early marriages are prevalent due to lack of education.

To support their advocacy, orange winter clothing was distributed, symbolizing the fight against gender-based violence. Club President Ztn. Jennifer Haque emphasized the importance of girls’ rights to free education up to class 12 in government schools. Vice Area Director Ztn. Zaheda Khatoon and Advocacy Chair Ztn. Nazneen Rahman also participated, reinforcing the club’s commitment to empowering women through education and awareness.

Zonta Club of Hualien II co-hosts international golf tournament to advocate for Zonta Says NO

The Zonta Club of Hualien II, Taiwan, co-hosted the 2nd Pacific International Junior Golf Championship and New Southbound Golf Invitational, an impressive feat in resource-scarce eastern Taiwan. Nearly 100 junior athletes from five countries participated in the prestigious competition, blending athletic excellence with advocacy.

Daisy Chen, captain of the Zonta Girls golf team, took part in the pairing match to assist international players in navigating the course while promoting Zonta’s values and the Zonta Says NO campaign.

The club celebrated a proud moment when a Singaporean player from Chen’s group went on to win the group championship during the official two-day competition, reflecting the tournament’s success in fostering both sportsmanship and advocacy.

Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls creates comfort for safe house residents

Three members of the Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls, USA, collaborated to create fleece blankets for residents of the Schuyler and Chemung Counties Safe House. These blankets provide comfort to victims during their stay and are theirs to keep when they leave.

For nearly 20 years, one dedicated club member has purchased materials and crafted blankets for the Safe House, with other members joining her efforts in recent years to tie the blankets. This initiative reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to supporting survivors and fostering a sense of care and security.

Thousands of eyes on Zonta Says NO across New Zealand

Zonta extended its gratitude to VAST Billboards, a leading outdoor digital advertiser, for supporting District 16’s Zonta Says NO campaign. Through the efforts of Anna Arps and Phillippa Elliot, 10 digital billboards displayed Zonta’s powerful message across the country for seven to nine days, significantly boosting the campaign’s visibility.

The collaboration resulted in thousands of people seeing the impactful message, greatly enhancing public awareness of Zonta’s mission to end violence against women and girls. The club praised VAST Billboards for their invaluable support in amplifying the campaign’s reach and impact.