violence-against-women

Zonta Club of Isabela hosts events on gender-based violence and cyber crime

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The Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, partnered with the Municipality of Sto. Tomas, led by Mayor Antonio M. Talaue, to host a symposium focusing on the Laws on Cyber Crime and the Safe Spaces Act, marking their first collaboration.

Braving rainy weather, Zontians and local leaders emphasized the importance of digital safety and anti-harassment laws to combat gender-based violence. Keynote speakers included Hon. Jennifer S. Loveria, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 22, who opened the event, Atty. Maricion Capili-Guingab of the Public Attorney’s Office, who detailed cybercrime laws and R.A. 9262 (Anti-VAWC), and Atty. Cherie Marie Laddaran, who elaborated on the Safe Spaces Act.

The event encouraged community-driven initiatives to create safer environments and highlighted the vital role of partnerships in addressing pressing social issues.

In a different event, the club partnered with the Municipality of Cabagan, the Regional Trial Court (RTC), the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, and the Public Attorney’s Office to host a symposium on gender-based violence.

Legal experts and advocates led discussions on critical laws, including the Anti-VAWC Act, fostering education and action against violence. The event emphasized community collaboration and interactive sessions, providing a platform for attendees to share strategies for a violence-free society.

This joint effort aligns with the Zonta Says NO campaign, showcasing the power of collective action to address gender-based violence and promote safety for all.

Zonta Club of Jönköping advocates for change through creative 16 Days of Activism events

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The Zonta Club of Jönköping, Sweden, marked the 16 Days of Activism with a series of creative and impactful events aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence and the Zonta Says NO campaign.

Among the highlights was a partnership with a national gym chain, where a club member and an instructor led three training sessions. Participants were invited to donate any amount, with proceeds supporting Zonta’s mission. Hundreds of gym-goers saw Zonta’s rollups, orange balloons and informational displays, and goodie bags were raffled to enhance engagement.

Inspired by the Convention in Brisbane, the club crafted two orange chairs, symbolizing the fight against violence. The chairs were prominently placed along the shopping street and inside the cultural center, while the cultural center bridge and Town Hall were illuminated in orange. One of the chairs was later auctioned, raising significant funds for Zonta’s advocacy work.

The club also participated in a national hockey game alongside Soroptimists and other supporters, handed out books at the hospital library, and hosted a public outreach day in town. Members offered gingerbread and mulled wine, sold handmade Zonta Says NO bracelets and informed passersby about Zonta’s mission.

Zonta Club of Tuguegarao launches Zonta Says NO campaign

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The Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, Philippines, proudly joined the global Zonta Says NO campaign, part of the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. The campaign launch focused on advocacy, with the club installing advocacy banners across key community locations in partnership with local government units, schools and agencies like the PNP Regional Office and DepEd.

The club also attended flag rites at Cagayan National High School and Teacher’s Anna the Apple Tree School, amplifying their message through LED displays at high-traffic locations like Mall of Valley. A proclamation by Lal-lo Mayor Florante Pascual designating 25 November as Zonta Says NO Day further highlighted the campaign’s significance.

The club renewed its partnership with Cagayan State University and the Commission on Population Development Regional Office II to enhance education and advocacy efforts. Collaborations with schools, government agencies and community organizations aim to foster action and create safer spaces for women and girls.

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 of Hong Kong launches program to combat intergenerational violence

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The Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, partnered with women at the TWGHs Cease Crisis Centre to advance the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women advocacy campaign, launching the A2A Awareness to Action Program on 30 November.

The initiative focuses on supporting victims of violence staying at the Cease Crisis Centre, helping them rebuild confidence and reintegrate into society. The program also seeks to raise public awareness to prevent intergenerational violence and intimate partner abuse.

As part of the campaign, participants created a symbolic circle painting emphasizing the importance of communication, cooperation and creative solutions for fostering healthy family relationships. The artwork now hangs at the entrance of TWGHs TungPo, a youth-focused creative and innovative center in Hong Kong, where its message of “Say No to Violence” will reach hundreds of young people during the 16 Days of Activism.

Zonta Club of Isabela launches solar light initiative to combat violence

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On day eight of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, proudly launched its “Zonta Pailaw” project, an initiative to install solar lights in poorly lit areas to enhance safety for women and girls.

The first installation took place in Sitio Isla Verde, Barangay General Aguinaldo, a remote community near Magat Dam, where regular electricity access is challenging. By addressing the lack of proper lighting, the club aims to deter crimes such as assault and provide a safer environment for women and girls to travel and work at night.

The project, aligned with Zonta’s theme of envisioning a brighter future, highlights the critical link between infrastructure and gender-based violence. The club selected the site after a rigorous process involving shortlisting, validation and coordination with local officials.

As the solar lights illuminate paths, they symbolize hope and the club’s commitment to empowering communities. The initiative reinforces the club’s dedication to fostering safety, sustainability and gender equality.

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 Black Hills advocates against violence with local support

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The Zonta Club of Black Hills, USA, took a stand against domestic violence during the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, supported by a proclamation from Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun. The proclamation underscored the importance of Zonta’s global advocacy efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls.

An intimate press conference was held as part of the campaign. Attendees included two women officers from the Sheriff’s Department specializing in domestic violence cases and Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick.

A letter to the editor of the Rapid City Journal was sent, urging the community to join the Zonta Says NO campaign and take collective action to combat violence.

Zonta Club of Dhaka III supports survivor of violence

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As part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, shared the compelling story of Tamanna, a young girl who endured the hardships of early child marriage and domestic abuse. Married at a young age, Tamanna faced torment from her husband and in-laws before being divorced, as her father—a struggling rickshaw puller—could not provide a dowry.

Her struggles continued in her second marriage, where her husband abandoned her while she was two months pregnant.

The club has stepped in to support Tamanna, offering financial assistance, healthcare and emotional guidance. Her story underscores the urgent need to address the challenges faced by women and girls, reinforcing the importance of the 16 Days of Activism and the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

Zonta Clubs of Ibadan launch Zonta Says NO with advocacy event

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The Zonta Clubs of Ibadan I and II, Nigeria, joined forces to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with a flag-off ceremony at the Zonta clubhouse and Alesheloye Market.

The event signified the start of the 16 Days of Activism. During the ceremony, club members emphasized the importance of the Zonta Says NO campaign, held one-on-one discussions with market traders and buyers and held an open-air broadcast.

The club called for collective action to SPEAK UP and say NO to violence. The club firmly believes violence is not confined to a small portion of a distant community; it surrounds us.