violence-against-women

Zonta Club of Stara Zagora opens Bulgaria’s first Orange Room for victims of violence 

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On 20 November, the University General Hospital for Active Treatment in Stara Zagora opened the country’s first Orange Room to support and counsel victims of violence. This safe space was created by the Zonta Club of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, along with the Stara Zagora Z club. The club also had the support of the Public Donor Fund, donors and like-minded advocates. 

The Orange Room offers a gentle environment where survivors can receive timely legal protection and psychological help. Named for the color of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and the UN’s Orange the World initiative, the room symbolizes warmth, safety and peace of mind. 

The club hopes the Orange Room will inspire national and international initiatives, providing safe spaces for survivors to feel protected and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. 

Zonta Clubs in Taiwan donate electric motorcycles to combat domestic violence 

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The Zonta Clubs of Kaohsiung Yu Hsiuan and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, part of District 31, hosted a ceremony donating ten electric motorcycles to the Kaohsiung City Government. The donation supports social workers in reaching remote areas quickly to assist victims of domestic violence, aligning with the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women campaign. 

President Sandy Hung of Kaohsiung Yu Hsiuan emphasized the club’s commitment to gender equality and ending violence, noting the donation coincided with the club’s 30th anniversary. The motorcycles, branded with the clubs’ logos, were made possible through months of planning and generous support from like-minded organizations. 

The event also featured parent-child activities and a “Get to Know Zonta” Q&A program, offering prizes for correct answers about Zonta. Hundreds of attendees joined club members in calling for an end to violence against women. 

Zonta Club of Bendigo Inc Says NO to violence against women

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The Zonta Club of Bendigo Inc, Australia, has launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign with the release of a video titled Respect Is, shared on the club’s newly created YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/bYhdPa00_H0.

As a member of the Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence (GBAFV) Committee, the club is sponsoring an evening with Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic. Dokic will share her experiences of overcoming war, bullying, and domestic violence at the hands of her father and tennis coach. The event, which quickly booked nearly 1,000 tickets, promises to be a compelling highlight of the campaign.

The GBAFV Committee has also organized a daily calendar of events throughout the 16 Days of Activism, with Zonta members actively participating in many activities. In preparation, club members have knitted and crocheted orange flowers, which will adorn the fence of the Bendigo Conservatory in the town center. The Conservatory itself will be illuminated in orange for the duration of the campaign, symbolizing support for the elimination of violence against women and girls.

Zonta Club of Bangkok IX installs new Z club and hosts lecture on violence against women

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On 14 November, the Zonta Club of Bangkok IX, Thailand, led by President Dr. Sunjutha Witchawut, installed a Z Club at Phanomthuanchanupatham School in Kanchanaburi Province.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Zonta District 17 Lt. Governor Z. Runcha Boribalburibhand, Area 6 Director Z. Inthira Sawadpanich and District 17 Z and Golden Z Club Committee Vice Chair Z. Natpapha Jiirakulkij, who performed the installation. President Sunjutha presented the Z Club flag along with a donation of 10,000 THB to support the new club’s activities.

Also in attendance were Panida Pathumarak, Area 6 Club Creator, members of the Zonta Club of Bangkok III, and Z Club members from Visuttharangsi Kanchanaburi School, who observed the ceremony as part of their preparation for their own upcoming Z Club installation.

Following the installation, the school hosted a special lecture on stopping violence against women, raising awareness among students and educating them on addressing this critical issue.

Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area illuminates Lift Bridge orange

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The Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area, USA, gathered at the Ashtabula Lift Bridge, illuminated in orange to support the Zonta Says NO campaign. Joined by County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski, the event highlighted the club’s efforts to address domestic abuse and support women recovering from abusive situations. Casey commended the club’s ongoing work and encouraged collective action to prevent abuse, particularly against women and girls.

Following the bridge lighting, members visited two high-traffic billboards displaying Zonta Says NO messaging and the abuse hotline. These billboards, which have previously drawn new members to the club, ensure the message reaches a broad audience.

The club continues to partner with local shelters and transitional living facilities to provide vital support for women and girls in the community.

Zonta Club of Whitsundays Inc launches Orange Lady Campaign for 16 Days of Activism

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During the United Nations’ annual 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, the Zonta Club of Whitsundays Inc, Australia, spearheads the local campaign by placing bright orange figures, known as “Orange Ladies,” throughout the community.

The Orange Lady, a global symbol of Zonta’s Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, represents the hope for a future free of violence against women and girls. The initiative aims to raise awareness and inspire action in the fight against gender-based violence.

Zonta Clubs in Bulgaria partner with ballet to raise awareness against violence

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The “The Nutcracker” premiere production by the Stara Zagora State Opera Ballet served as a stunning backdrop for the campaign Rada Says NO to Violence, spearheaded by Zonta clubs in Bulgaria. The ballet’s director, Silvia Tomova, provided powerful and heartfelt support for the initiative, which seeks to raise awareness and prevent violence against women and girls.   

The campaign centers around Rada, a symbolic orange doll made of recyclable materials. It features a QR code and the hashtag #IAmRada. The QR code provides access to resources for preventing and addressing violence, aiming to empower women to take the first step in seeking help and speaking out.   

The campaign, supported by the National Legal Aid Bureau, the Bulgarian Fund for Women and co-financed by the European Union, unites Zonta clubs across Bulgaria to create a large-scale movement advocating for women’s safety and rights.   

“I am Rada. Today, I live a new life,” reads the campaign’s inspiring message. “This story is not just mine—it is the story of every woman who has found the strength to face violence and move on. You can too!”   

District 31 hosts musical event to promote anti-violence advocacy

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Zonta Clubs of Taipei I and Taipei II co-sponsored the joint monthly meeting Folk Song Youth Reappearance, drawing 108 participants, including members from 13 Zonta clubs across Taiwan. The event combined nostalgic music with a powerful message, advocating kindness and warmth as alternatives to violence and fear.

Through the universal language of music, the event echoed Zonta’s international anti-violence initiative, emphasizing respect, equality and harmony. Campus folk songs—a cultural form rich in humanistic spirit—were used to convey the concept of “replacing violence with love and fear with hope.”

This unique event brought participants back to days of innocence through music and reinforced Zonta’s core mission of empowering women and promoting world peace. It showcased how cultural expressions can inspire change and strengthen the call for a violence-free society.

District 31 celebrates Zonta’s 105th birthday with wellness run 

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On 8-9 November, Zonta District 31 marked the organization’s 105th anniversary with a wellness run aimed at promoting Zonta Says NO and advocating for gender equality. 

The event, supported by core members and a partnership with a Taiwanese pharmaceutical company, attracted over 4,000 participants, symbolizing a commitment to both health and social responsibility. Participants from across Taiwan, including clubs in Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hualien and Penghu, joined the run, showcasing Zonta’s spirit of unity and inclusivity. 

A key event initiative was the Every Member Every November fundraising campaign, which raised US$33,180. The celebration emphasized Zonta’s mission to empower women and girls, inspiring positive change to build a better world for all. 

Zonta e-Club of Matera hosts Shades of Narcissism

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The Zonta e-Club of Matera, Italy, is set to host an event titled Shades of Narcissism, aiming to shed light on the hidden forms of violence that often go unnoticed. The event will encourage deep reflection on these covert issues while promoting prevention and healing for this widespread social concern.

The program will feature psychologists, field experts and journalists who will share insights and strategies to address the impact of narcissism in relationships and society.