On 20 November, the HKU Golden Z Club, supported by the Zonta Club of Hong Kong, successfully held its Z2Z Mentorship Programme 2025 – Inauguration Ceremony, marking the commencement of the Mentorship Programme for the coming year and recognizing the continuous contributions of the Zonta Club of Hong Kong to both the Club and the Programme.
A total of 10 Zontians (including 6 mentors) and 21 Golden Z Club members, consisting of 10 executive committee members and 11 mentees, attended the Ceremony. During the event, both Zontians and members of the HKU Golden Z Club showed their support for the Zonta Says No “16 Days of Activism” campaign.
MANKATO — When Sesamae Riquelme of Mankato was sexually assaulted in August, she initially confided only in her best friend. Days later, she reported the assault to law enforcement.
“The only reason I reported my assault was because my best friend said if I don’t, he could go out and do it to someone else,” she said about the incident, which did not occur in Mankato. “So I only went in so he wouldn’t do it to someone else.”
The full-time South Central College student is sharing her story to highlight violence against women, adding “it can happen to anyone.” She’s vice president of the Zonta Club of Mankato, which strives to make lives better for women and girls.
Zonta is hosting a candlelight vigil 6 p.m. Saturday in tribute to the lives impacted and lost to violence against women. The vigil is at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 150 Stadium Court.
“We want it to be a place and time where the community can reflect and pay tribute to lives impacted and lost to violence against women,” Riquelme said. “We are standing in solidarity for change and to show, as a community, that we care. There are people out there who know women don’t deserve to live in a society where gender-based violence is relevant.”
She expects the Zonta Club will draw about 50 people to the candlelight vigil.
“I want to make it that the vigil is also an OK, safe space for people to go and get support and be able to express their emotions,” she said. “There are organizations in the community that are trying and working hard to make it a better place for women and girls.”
As a sexual assault victim, Riquelme said people need to know that sexual violence against women is all too common. Even if people don’t realize it, they likely know at least one person who is a victim and “who has gone through this. It’s here in our community,” she said. “We need to be looking out for young women and women in our community and have grace for survivors.”
She added “it’s not an easy road,” saying “it’s harder than you think.”
“There’s resources out there and we want girls to continue to keep talking and not hold it in,” she said. “It changed my perspective. Even after the initial assault is over, the path afterwards is as traumatizing and painful as the initial attack. I never expected to be that person who I was advocating for. I didn’t expect to know that this happens way more often than we think it does.”
Some victims, she said, go into shock after their sexual assault. Unfortunately, it’s the responsibility of victims to “do all the heavy work. We’re in this mindset that as victims we’re supposed to keep going and pretend it’s OK because of what kind of crime it was.
If you saw your friend get in a car accident and they’re bruised for weeks and have physical damage for months, you want them to take it easy. But because of the type of crime against us, it’s kind of, like, hushed. And you’re supposed to keep moving forward.”
Ruth Harms, president of the Zonta Club, said in 2023 there were more than 51,000 women killed by intimate partners across the globe. “That is 51,000 people too many,” she said.
She hopes to see good community support at the candlelight vigil.
“We’re just trying to get the word out to help people understand we want more community involvement,” Harms said. “We would like to get more involvement from local industries and local government. We want people to recognize that these are matters that need to be addressed.
“And it’s not only local,” she said. “We need people to learn to support one another and help those who are victims to have the courage to come forward.”
HONG KONG, Dec. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The recent tragic fire at Tai Po has brought sadness and loss to our community. The seven Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong would like to express our deepest condolences to the victims and to extend our sympathy to all those affected. The swift response from all sectors of society reflects Hong Kong’s spirit of helping each other during tough times, while also reminding us of the needs of vulnerable groups.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), violence against women and girls remains the most widespread and pervasive human rights violation globally, affecting an estimated one in three women—a figure that has remained largely unchanged over the past decade. This violence knows no national or cultural barriers; it occurs at home, in the workplace, and in public spaces, impacting millions of women and girls in both peacetime and conflict. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified violence against women, with a 2022 study revealing that nearly 40% of women in Hong Kong have experienced sexual abuse. The WHO estimates the actual figures are likely higher.
Zonta International has long been unwavering in its advocacy to end violence against women. Since launching the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign in 2012, it has held its annual “16 Days of Activism” between November and December, uniting Zonta Clubs worldwide in impactful advocacy actions to combat violence against women and girls. As members of Zonta International, Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong have responded actively to this call.
Recently (8 December), 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 is a key part of this year’s “16 Days of Activism” under the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign.
The launch of the mobile art exhibition was witnessed by 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.
Zonta International District 17 Governor Mrs Winnie Wong said: “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 deserves 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”, which through activities and personal stories inspires visitors to build positive family relationships.
About Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong All Zonta Clubs in Hong Kong are non-profit organisations under Zonta International (www.zonta.org), founded in the USA in 1919. Zonta International is a global service organisation of professionals and executives working together to advance the status of women through community service and advocacy. Zonta International members are spread across more than 65 countries and regions worldwide, working at international, national and local levels to achieve the organisation’s vision: committed to building women’s rights, enabling every woman to fully realise her potential, and creating a better world for women. Currently, there are eight 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, Zonta Club of The New Territories II, and Zonta Club of Kowloon II.
Zonta International, a leading global service and advocacy organization active in 64 countries, envisions a world where no woman or girl lives in fear of violence.
With more than 25,000 members in 1,093 clubs, Zonta works tirelessly to build a better world for women and girls. Each year, Zonta Clubs worldwide participate in the Zonta Says NO to Violence against Women campaign, part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day).
“Women’s rights are human rights,” says Judith Ainsworth, leader of Zonta Club in the Kanata-Stittsville area. “This year, the Kanata-Stittsville community took a meaningful step toward change by focusing on allyship with boys and men.”
As part of the local 2025 Zonta Says NO campaign, members of the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) partnered with the Zonta Club, linking arms to show solidarity and support.
The partnership reflects the shared commitment of OPS and Zonta to the safety and security of the community. Police officers play a critical role in addressing domestic violence and abuse, and this campaign offered an opportunity to publicly reinforce that commitment.
At the Huntmar station, club Zontians joined officers for a photo with the Zonta Says NO banner. Present were Inspector Isabelle Lemieux, OPS support dog Cindy, Acting Staff Sergeant Andrew Pidcock, Sergeant John Drader, and Constable Darren Joseph, all proudly standing together to send a clear message: violence against women will not be tolerated.
Also part of the picture is Kristy Taylor, Operations Manager with Shelter Movers in Ottawa. A volunteer-powered organization, Shelter Movers is referral-based and supports people leaving situations of violence with free moving and storage services. “We want to take away some of the stress involved in someone’s decision to leave,” Kristy says. “In high-risk situations, we call on the Ottawa Police for support and they will be present with us during a move.”
“We support approximately 20 moves a month,” Kristy explains. “We work with about 45 partners in the greater Ottawa area and on the Quebec side as well. We are always looking for dedicated volunteers.”
By coming together, the OPS, Shelter Movers, and Zonta Club of Kanata-Stittsville demonstrate that community safety and gender equality are shared responsibilities, and meaningful change happens when organizations with similar missions come together.
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — Those passing Mayfield Heights City Hall, or other nearby municipal buildings over the past couple of weeks, may have noticed an orange light shining on the building.
The light is shining through Dec. 10 in recognition of the 16 Days of Activism in support of Zonta Club of Cleveland and the ‘Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women’ campaign, which began Nov. 25.
The orange light is meant to bring awareness to the critical issue of violence against women. The city also has encouraged its residents to participate by displaying an orange light at their homes and learning more about gender-based violence.
Other communities participating in the campaign include Cleveland, Aurora, Cleveland Heights, Oakwood, Parma and Pepper Pike. Ursuline College, in Pepper Pike, is also participating.
Zonta International is a leading global organization with more than 25,000 members across 65 countries.
On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 9 a.m. on the steps of the Burbank Police Department, the Zonta Club of Burbank Area will hold a March Against Gender Violence to support the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign.
Zonta Club of Burbank Area (zontaburbank.org) is a member of Zonta International, a leading global organization of more than 26,000 members worldwide dedicated to building a better world for women and girls. Zonta International’s more than 1,100 clubs in 64 countries are participating in this campaign in their local communities to raise awareness of and increase actions to end violence against women and girls around the world through service and advocacy.
During the 16 Days of Activism, which starts Nov. 25 on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and ends on Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day, we unite our voices to demand a world free from gender-based violence. Together, we stand with survivors, challenge harmful norms, and commit to building safer, more just communities where everyone can live with dignity and without fear.
Globally, one in three women experience physical or sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner.
Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive human rights violations.
Enough is enough! Women cannot, and should not have to, fight for safety from violence. While much has been achieved since 1919, women’s rights are under siege again. California’s current marriage law as it pertains to children is unconscionable and a violation of human rights. Zonta Club of Burbank Area has held forums to educate the community on human trafficking, lobbies Sacramento to set a floor of 18 years of age to marry and is active on the Burbank Domestic Violence Taskforce. According to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, “New technologies such as AI are creating the conditions to allow new platforms for violence and abuse, normalizing misogyny and online revenge.”
Violence against women and girls is a complex issue and is perpetuated in many ways. We cannot solve this issue alone. Please join us in saying NO to gender violence on Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. on the steps of the Burbank Police Department.
As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, Philippines, continued its powerful advocacy through a series of themed actions designed to educate, support, mobilize, and uplift the community. Days 7–15 highlighted key pillars of the movement, reminding the public that ending violence requires collective commitment.
Day 7: ALLYSHIP
Day 7 underscored the vital role of allyship in ending gender-based violence, emphasizing that men must stand as partners in advocacy. The club dedicated the day to promoting the HeForShe movement, calling on men to serve not merely as supporters but as active champions of women’s rights and safety.
Unlike earlier days with on-site activities, Day 7 unfolded through a digital wave of solidarity. Zonta Joes, husbands of club members, and male representatives from partner agencies submitted photos wearing orange, symbolizing unity and accountability. LGU Lal-lo’s PROJECT PEDAL cycling community also joined the call, demonstrating that advocacy thrives wherever people unite with purpose.
The messages shared captured the spirit of the initiative: “Ending violence against women is everyone’s responsibility,” wrote Arch. Michael Arroyo. Another participant added that being an ally requires speaking up and showing respect every day.
Day 8: GIVING
Day 8 showcased the power of giving through “Zisterly Support,” reminding the community that generosity can bring dignity, safety, and hope. The Zonta club extended relief to 273 families affected by Typhoon Uwan in Barangay Barancuag, Tuao.
The distribution included 273 foam mattresses, benefiting an estimated 819 individuals, along with clothing for women and girls and essential medicines for vulnerable residents. The initiative was made possible through donations from the club members, Farmacia M, and Batch ’89 Civil Engineering – USLT under the leadership of Club President Liza Mora-Arroyo.
Day 8 affirmed that advocacy is not only spoken or posted; it is also shared through meaningful acts of compassion.
Day 9: KNOWLEDGE
Day 9 highlighted Knowledge as a critical tool for empowerment. The Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, together with LGU Lal-lo and led by Vice Mayor Maria Olivia B. Pascual, organized an orientation-workshop on handling VAWC cases, anti-trafficking laws, and online sexual exploitation of children.
Zontians Atty. Rowena Donato and Atty. Desiree Garcia provided detailed guidance on legal frameworks and protection measures, helping participants understand how to act effectively in real situations. Vice Mayor Pascual shared the story of a courageous survivor to remind women of their strength and their right to seek help.
Certificates were awarded to Z Club members, barangay volunteers, and guidance counselors, recognizing their commitment to building a safer community.
Day 10: TRIBUTE
Day 10 honored the resilience of survivors through a tribute titled “Voices from the Valley: Tribute to Survivors of Gender-Based Violence.” The Z Club of Lal-lo NHS presented a moving performance of the song Rise, symbolizing strength, healing, and hope.
Supported by the club, LGU Lal-lo, and Z Club advisers, the performance highlighted the meaningful role of youth in advocacy and the power of art to amplify awareness. Day 10 underscored that honoring survivors is essential to fostering a culture of respect and empowerment.
Day 11: SERVICE
Day 11 emphasized Service as a tangible expression of advocacy. The Zonta club offered free dermatological consultations to 78 students and faculty at CSU Carig Campus.
Initiated by Dr. Trician T. Villarosa and supported by BCP Dermatological Corp., the activity was led by Dr. Evelyn Guzman and fellow Zontian doctors and health professionals. Participants received medical assessments, skincare guidance, and necessary medication.
The day demonstrated that promoting health and confidence, especially among women and girls, is a vital step toward empowerment and safety.
Day 12: DISCUSSION
Day 12 focused on Discussion as a means of strengthening awareness and community engagement. The club facilitated a dialogue on dermatological health, hygiene, and the connection to a violence-free community at CSU Carig Campus.
Led by Dr. Evelyn Guzman and Zontian health professionals, the session explored how self-care builds confidence, resilience, and self-respect—traits essential in preventing violence and fostering empowerment.
Day 12 revealed that meaningful dialogue is a cornerstone of effective advocacy.
Day 13: LISTENING
Day 13 highlighted the importance of listening as an act of support and dignity. The club officers and members visited the BJMP Female Dormitory in Tuguegarao City to hear the stories and needs of women deprived of liberty.
Zontians provided legal consultations through Atty. Venus Saquing and Atty. Mari-Ann Bayle and dermatological services through Dr. Evelyn Puzon-Guzman. The visit, led by Club President Liza Mora Arroyo, reaffirmed the club’s commitment to compassionate, meaningful service.
Day 13 reminded the community that every woman’s voice deserves recognition, respect, and understanding.
Day 14: OUTREACH — HUGZ OF HOPE
Day 14 featured Outreach through the “HugZ of Hope” project, conceptualized by Vice Mayor Olive Pascual. Held in partnership with the Tuguegarao City Government’s “MAI SPECIAL LOVE” program, the initiative brought joy to children with special needs and their families.
The club distributed toys and fruits while the city government provided free developmental pediatric consultations. Through LGU Lal-lo, the Z Club of Lal-lo NHS, and generous donors, the initiative also reached orphans and sick children across Cagayan.
Day 14 reminded participants that advocacy is expressed not only through education and policy but also through warmth, kindness, and presence.
Day 15: GLOBAL ISSUES
Day 15 explored the profound connection between global crises and violence against women and girls. Club member Dr. Trician T. Villarosa delivered an audio-visual lecture illustrating how climate change, conflict, economic hardship, and technological harm disproportionately affect women.
The presentation highlighted real stories: child marriage driven by climate-related poverty, trafficking fueled by instability, tech-facilitated stalking, threats to Indigenous advocates, and exploitation faced by refugees. These narratives demonstrated that violence is both a cause and a consequence of global disruption.
Day 15 underscored that solutions must be rooted in both local action and global understanding to create lasting change.
The Zonta Club of Hualien, Taiwan, concluded its 16 Days of Activism initiative with a vibrant anniversary celebration that underscored the community’s collective commitment to ending violence. Throughout the campaign, the club invited the mayor of Hualien City and the mayor of Ji’an Township to join in the call to say NO to violence, while also engaging local communities, gyms and musicians in spreading the message.
10 December, Human Rights Day, marked the final day of the initiative. Club President Li Pingpeng said she was proud that Zonta members upheld the spirit of the campaign through meaningful action and shared their advocacy widely on Facebook and local media platforms.
The Zonta Club of Bologna Due Torri, Italy, recognized Paola Samoggia, an international composer and musician, who imbues her music with significant artistic and social meaning. In her compositions, she has addressed themes such as workplace deaths and poverty. She composed the music for the multimedia chamber opera “27 Dollars” (inspired by “The Banker to the Poor,” the first book by Nobel Peace Prize winner M. Yunus (the creator of microcredit), where she celebrates the role of women in the fight against poverty.
“Music offers a new language to spread greater awareness, to propose or advocate for solutions in society.”
This article was translated from Italian into English using Google Translate.
The Zonta Club of Rizal II, Philippines, hosted an event, “A Talk on Women’s Rights: From birth to legacy.” Attorney Ma. Luz Arzaga-Mendoza delivered a comprehensive presentation on legal rights across every stage of a woman’s life. A seasoned advocate for women’s rights, her clear, relatable and compelling presentation empowered participants with practical knowledge to protect their rights and support efforts to end gender-based violence.
A total of 61 Zontians participated, including International Director Ofelia Bautista, Area 1 Director Rowena Plan and presidents from several Metro Manila clubs. Organizers emphasized that understanding women’s rights from birth to legacy strengthens empowerment, reduces vulnerability to abuse and expands Zonta’s visibility as a leader in holistic advocacy.
Attendees noted the impact of the session, saying the speaker showed “great mastery of the subject matter,” was “an eye- opener” and provided timely guidance on practical legal concerns.
Join us in saying NO 