violence-against-women

Zonta Club of Pampanga advances community awareness through VAWC talk and radio advocacy

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On 7 December, the Zonta Club of Pampanga, Philippines, successfully conducted a meaningful Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Awareness Talk at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church, under the gracious leadership of the Parish Priest, Rev. Father Emmanuel “Manny” Contreras. The activity was organized in line with the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women, reflecting the club’s steadfast commitment to empowering women, protecting children, and bringing up a safe and informed community. The event formally opened with a VAWC awareness lecture delivered by the invited resource speaker, Atty. Aura Eunice Santos, who provided comprehensive and insightful discussions on the legal framework of VAWC, the rights of women and children, and the available remedies and support systems for victims. Her clear, relatable, and empowering presentation greatly enhanced the participants’ understanding and awareness of the issue.

Following the lecture, a highly engaging and dynamic question-and-answer portion ensued, marked by active audience participation. Numerous attendees confidently raised questions and sought practical advice, demonstrating their genuine interest and concern for the topic. Notably, two gentlemen from the audience also participated, emphasizing that advocacy against violence is a shared responsibility of all genders. Rev. Father Emmanuel “Manny” Contreras himself joined the discussion, further enriching the exchange with thoughtful insights and light-hearted remarks that created an atmosphere of openness, learning, and even moments of laughter. The lively interaction underscored the success of the activity in breaking barriers and encouraging honest dialogue within the community.

The project benefited 55 parents and mothers from the local community, equipping them with vital knowledge and awareness on VAWC. The activity was attended by three Zontian members, Gina Millan, President of the Zonta Club of Pampanga; VP Leonor R. Bais; and Past President Gilda Padua, along with five non-Zontian participants. Their presence highlighted the collective spirit of collaboration and advocacy that made the project a resounding success. Overall, the activity not only fulfilled its objectives but also strengthened community engagement, awareness, and commitment to ending violence against women and children.

The club expanded its advocacy further on 6 December through a radio program aired on 91.9 Bright FM in San Fernando City. The broadcast featured Atty. Karen Guevarra and Pampanga Club President Gina Rosario Millan, who discussed violence against women, preventive strategies and community support mechanisms. They also highlighted recent Zonta initiatives and ongoing projects aimed at advancing women’s empowerment in Pampanga.

Hosted by Ma’am Vee and Ma’am Jo, the radio segment broadened the club’s reach and ensured key messages on women’s rights and protection were communicated to a wider audience. This engagement strengthened the impact of the campaign by harnessing mass media to amplify public awareness and encourage community action.

Art against violence

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As part of the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women and Girls” campaign, the Zonta Club of Irenopolis–Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, organized a moving musical and poetic performance on 3 December 2025 to honor the strength, resilience and beauty of women. The event aimed to show how women’s tenderness, creativity and inner power can counterbalance violence and aggression, fostering a more peaceful and compassionate society.

The large-scale initiative transformed the city of Stara Zagora into an orange beacon of solidarity and public engagement. Onstage at the Regional Library, club members read poems celebrating women, while children, artists and young musicians filled the hall with music, light and hope.

Through this artistic program, the Zonta Club delivered a clear and heartfelt message: a world free from violence is possible when empathy, dignity and unity guide collective action.

Zonta Club of Ulaanbaatar provides relief and education for young girls and children

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The Zonta Club of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, has donated urgently needed vitamins, immune-supporting products, sanitary supplies, clothing and other essential items to girls and children residing at the Anti-Violence Center’s shelter. The support aims to help strengthen the health and well-being of young survivors seeking safety and recovery.

In addition to the donations, the club partnered with trainers from the Center Against Violence to conduct a series of educational sessions designed to protect adolescents from bullying both in schools and online.

Zonta Club of Isabela concludes the 16 Days of Activism

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DAY 15: A Day of Sustained Advocacy in Action

The Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, intensified its commitment to ending gender-based violence by distributing life-saving Information Campaign Pamphlets across all municipalities and cities in Isabela Province as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The comprehensive pamphlets, produced in partnership with the Provincial Government of Isabela, include key provisions of Philippine laws protecting women and children—such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (R.A. 9262), Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act (R.A. 9995), and Safe Spaces Act (R.A. 11313)—along with a complete directory of emergency hotline numbers for police, fire, and rescue services in every district.

Designed as a direct guide for safety and legal protection, the publication equips women, children, and families with essential knowledge for help-seeking and defense against abuse. The club emphasized that this initiative is not merely informational but a crucial tool for empowerment and immediate support.

This club declared its commitment to ensuring that every woman and child in Isabela knows their rights, where to go for help, and how to stay safe. They also expressed gratitude to the provincial government for enabling widespread distribution of the material.

DAY 16: A Day of Reflection — The Campaign Closes, the Vow to Protect Children Continues

On the final day of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Isabela reinforced its long-standing advocacy by participating in the 2025 National Children’s Month Celebration at Barucboc National High School—an event centered on combating online sexual exploitation and protecting children’s rights.

With the theme “OSAEC-CSAEM WAKASAN: Kaligtasan at Karapatan ng Bata, Ipaglaban!”, the program highlighted the urgent need to address online abuse and strengthen child protection systems. More than 200 high school students took part in a series of legal and educational sessions led by government and legal experts.

Municipal Mayor Hon. Daryl G. Gascon delivered the Response to the Local State of Children’s Address, affirming the LGU’s commitment to safeguarding children. Atty. Carol I. Donato, Co-Chair of ZCI’s Advocacy and Service Committees and representative of the Public Attorney’s Office, conducted a detailed legal lecture on the Anti-OSAEC and Anti-CSAEM laws (R.A. 11930) and the Cybercrime Prevention Act (R.A. 10175).

Club Charter President Judge Precious Lovely Olivia A. Sales-Jao concluded the event by emphasizing the importance of sustained community education and vigilance in protecting children from online and physical exploitation.

The club extended its appreciation to its partners—including the Local Government of Roxas, the Public Attorney’s Office, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, Barucboc NHS faculty, and the student leaders—for their dedication to child safety and rights.

Zonta Club of Janesville kicks off 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

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On 24 November, the Zonta Club of Janesville, USA, hosted a reception and candlelight vigil to raise awareness for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Attendees heard from Wisconsin State Senator Mark Spreitzer about efforts to end child marriage in Wisconsin, the executive director of the YWCA about the prevalence of violence against women in our community, and from other members who attended the Wisconsin Assembly Lobby Day.

Following the presentations, participants received a list of actionable steps they could take to help prevent gender-based violence, along with informational placards to distribute to local businesses. The placards, designed for women’s restroom stalls, provide safety resources for individuals who may be in danger.

The evening concluded with a candlelight march to the downtown bridge, which was illuminated in orange in recognition of the global campaign. The vigil closed with a moving, poetic reading written by a survivor of domestic violence.

Wisconsin Zonta Clubs unite to End Child Marriage and Support the ERA

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Front Row: Edie Barans, Janesville; Nancy Abraham, Madison; Barbara Burchfield, Madison; Pam Duane, Madison; Cathy Myers, Janesville; Edna Feldman-Schultz, Janesville; Sally Bean, E-Club of USA3.
Back Row: Lori Hanewold, Janesville; Laura Curtiss, Madison; Amber Vaughn Glass, Janesville; Rep Clint Anderson, D-Beloit; Sen Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit; JoAnn Gruber-Hagen, Madison; Debora Hoard, Madison; Gail Zaleski, E-Club of USA3.
Missing from picture:  Ellen Ermer, Madison; Fatou Ceesay, Madison; Donna Conant, Milwaukee; Donna Neal, Milwaukee.

On 18 November, members of the Zonta Clubs of Janesville, Madison, Milwaukee and the e-Club of USA 3 gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol for a coordinated Lobby Day focused on ending child marriage and supporting the Wisconsin Equal Rights Amendment (WI ERA). Zontians secured 30 scheduled appointments with legislators and staff, engaging in productive conversations about the Child Marriage Bill (AB 656/SB 634) and the need to strengthen legal protections for women and girls.

For lawmakers without scheduled appointments, Zontians visited offices to speak with staffers briefly and provide informational materials. Advocacy packets included summaries of both legislative issues and a small symbolic pillow featuring wedding rings and a business card with a QR code linking to more details about the child marriage issue.

The lobby effort produced additional co-sponsors signing onto the Child Marriage Bill. Zontians are now developing a follow-up plan, including a targeted social media campaign encouraging constituents in key districts to contact their representatives. Members also plan to mobilize friends and allies living in those areas to amplify posts and make supportive calls.

Zonta Club Montevideo amplifies Zonta Says NO campaign

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As part of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, members of the Zonta Club Montevideo, Uruguay, Board appeared on a local morning television program to raise awareness about gender-based violence and highlight Zonta’s mission to build a better world for women and girls.

During the segment, board members introduced Zonta International, shared the club’s story and spoke about the ongoing challenges women face globally and locally. When asked about the issues still needing to be addressed at the global and local levels, they explained the significance of the 16 Days of Activism. They outlined how the Zonta Says NO campaign is implemented both in Uruguay and by clubs worldwide from 25 November to 10 December.

The program featured slides displaying the Zonta Montevideo logo and key statistics on domestic violence, helping viewers understand the urgency of the issue. Following the broadcast, the club received numerous phone calls and emails from community members seeking more information about Zonta’s mission.

Zontians in Action!

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On 9 December, members of Zonta Club of the New Territories, Hong Kong, came together at Causeway Bay – Paterson Street to volunteer at the “Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery” mobile art exhibition, supporting Po Leung Kuk’s meaningful mission to raise awareness about domestic violence and promote healthier, happier families.

From helping at the interactive zones to greeting visitors and sharing information about support services, Zontians proudly showed what community care looks like. Every conversation, every smile, and every moment of support helped make a difference.

Leadership thanks the dedicated members for giving their time and hearts to the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign.

Seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong unite to support mobile art exhibition on domestic violence

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On 8 December, 2025, seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong — Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Zonta Club of Kowloon, Zonta Club of Hong Kong East, Zonta Club of The New Territories, Zonta Club of Victoria Hong Kong, Zonta Club of Hong Kong II, and Zonta Club of The New Territories II— joined forces to support the Po Leung Kuk’s mobile art exhibition “Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery”, which aims to educate the community about domestic violence and related family crisis support services. This event played a key part of this year’s “16 Days of Activism” under the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign.

Zonta International District 17 Governor Mrs. Winnie Wong, Zonta International District 17 Area 2 Director Ms. Thelma Tong, presidents of the seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong, and the Chairman of Po Leung Kuk Ms. Amanda Ho, JP were all in attendance at the launch.

Wong stated in her address, “Today, Zonta International and the seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong are delighted to support the Po Leung Kuk’s ‘Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery’ mobile art exhibition, which aims to raise public awareness about domestic violence. Zonta is committed to advancing the status of women through service and advocacy. The annual ‘Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women’ campaign and its ‘16 Days of Activism’, which begins on the United Nation’s (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November and concludes on the UN’s International Human Rights Day on 10 December, are aligned with the UN’s call to mobilise all sectors of society in support of gender equality and women’s rights.”

Chairman of Po Leung Kuk Ms Amanda Ho, JP, explained that through the voices and stories of victims of domestic abuse, the exhibition highlights that domestic violence often lies hidden within everyday life. The courage and transformation of every survivor deserve to be heard and supported by everyone. Through the exhibition, which also highlights the Po Leung Kuk’s support services, the Po Leung Kuk not only walks alongside affected families but also aims to show how to build healthier and happier families.

The “Violence? Love!!: A Voyage of Discovery” mobile art exhibition vehicle will tour Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories from 8 to 14 December, including stops in Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, Mong Kok, Wong Tai Sin, Tai Wai and Tsuen Wan. Entry is free of charge.

The exhibition features interactive experience zones, allowing visitors to understand the reality of domestic violence and the possibility of transforming “violence” into “love”. This includes “The True Stories of Seven Weapons”, through activities and personal stories, inspires visitors to build positive family relationships.

Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao’ 16 Days of Activism: Days 9-16 highlights

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Day 9 — Medical and Law School Debate: United to End Digital Violence
As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, hosted the 1st Medical & Law School Debate 2025 at Robinsons Mall Tuguegarao. With the theme “United to End Digital Violence Against Women,” the event brought together future legal and medical professionals in a public forum that emphasized gender equality, human rights and the urgent need to combat online violence targeting women and girls.

Day 10 — A Call to Action Against Human Trafficking and Digital Exploitation
On Day 10, the club urged members, government partners, civil society and the community to take bold, urgent action to address climate-related violence and digital exploitation. The club underscored that climate change is not gender-neutral and that environmental crises deepen risks for women and girls. The club reaffirmed its stance against human trafficking and the online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) and CSAEM, advocating for survivor-centered justice, stronger policies and community accountability. The message emphasized that every Filipino life—online or offline—has dignity beyond price.

Day 11 — Day of Solidarity With Survivors
The club devoted Day 11 to honoring survivors of violence against women, including those whose stories remain unspoken due to stigma or fear. The club emphasized that all experiences of violence deserve recognition and support, and highlighted available pathways for protection, intervention and justice. The club reaffirmed its message that violence in all forms is unacceptable and that collective action is essential. “Enough is enough,” the club declared.

Day 12 — Day of Student Engagement and Z Club Induction
In Peñablanca, Cagayan, the club gathered 100 students from Peñablanca East National High School for the Day of Student Engagement, which included the induction of new Z Club officers and an orientation on student leadership. Inspirational and educational sessions followed, including HIV awareness, mental health, and legal discussions on Anti-OSAE/CSAEM. A blessing and turnover ceremony also marked the renovation of the Zonta Dorm, upgraded with new furnishings and improved facilities to support young women from distant barangays.

Day 13 — Community Outreach for Vulnerable Families
On Day 13, the club conducted an outreach activity in Barangays Battung and Barancuag in Tuao, providing essential rice, beddings, household items and food supplies to 60 solo parents and senior citizens, as well as school supplies to 40 students. The activity was supported by club members, local government partners and donors. The Committee on Environment also conducted an ocular inspection of recent flooding in the area, underscoring the club’s commitment to climate justice and disaster preparedness. The outreach affirmed the club’s mission to support marginalized and disaster-affected communities, especially women and children.

Day 14 — Tree-Growing at Zonta Forest and Garden
The Zonta club, together with the Cagayan Valley Medical Center Finance Division and the Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District, carried out a tree-growing activity at the Zonta Forest and Garden in Peñablanca as part of the Day of Community. Established in 2021 through a watershed partnership, the five-hectare area now holds more than 15,000 trees and serves as the club’s flagship climate justice initiative. The activity emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental protection and the fight against gender-based violence, as climate-related disasters disproportionately affect women and girls.

Day 15 — Livelihood Outreach for Women PDLs
On Day 15, the Zonta club, in partnership with the Golden Z Club of CSU Andrews Campus and the Finance Department of CVMC, conducted a livelihood outreach program for 25 female Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the BJMP Female Dormitory in Cataggamman Nuevo. The activity included the donation of used clothing for rug-making, hygiene kits from the Golden Z Club, and a gift exchange after a caroling tribute from the PDLs. Inspirational messages emphasized dignity, skill-building and service as tools for empowerment. The effort aligned with Zonta’s global call to support vulnerable women through meaningful community action.

Day 16 — Tropical Christmas Gathering and Day of Reflection
The Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao concluded the 16 Days campaign with its Tropical Christmas Gathering, which featured the Day of Reflection and the induction of new members. President Josefina T. Sedano led the program, encouraging sustained advocacy and unity in championing women’s rights. Twelve women professionals were inducted, strengthening the club’s capacity for future service and advocacy. Committees presented updates and outstanding members were recognized. Area Director Racquel C. Reyes-Aglaua delivered the Christmas Message, emphasizing collective leadership in eliminating gender-based violence. The evening ended with fellowship, games and celebration.

Representation at OFW Family Day and Marilag Awards and Recognition from the Philippine Red Cross
Vice President Atty. Maria Milagros N. Fernan-Cayosa represented the club at the 2025 OFW Family Day and served as a judge for the Regional Marilag Awards, which honor former OFWs who champion women’s welfare and community service. In her remarks, she highlighted the significance of 10 December as the culmination of the 16 Days campaign and reaffirmed Zonta’s advocacy for dignity and empowerment.

On the same day, the club received two major recognitions from the Philippine Red Cross Cagayan Chapter: a Certificate of Appreciation and a Diploma of Service for its continued support for the voluntary blood donation program and contribution to collecting over 200 units of blood in two years. The club’s blood program coordinators were also honored individually. The timing of these awards—on Human Rights Day and the final day of the 16 Days campaign—reinforced the club’s commitment to humanitarian service, community welfare and the protection of women and girls.