The Zonta Club of Gaylord Area, MI, USA participated in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by distributing “Orange Ladies” displays throughout the community to raise awareness about human trafficking and domestic abuse.
The initiative began at the District 15 Fall Conference, where the club purchased a dozen Orange Ladies cutouts to place in local businesses, the public library and a sports facility. Each display included a folded information card listing the signs of human trafficking along with the national hotline, as well as indicators of domestic abuse and both local and national resources for victims seeking help.
The cards also offered guidance on how community members can support someone experiencing abuse, encouraging non-judgmental listening, gentle conversation about unhealthy behaviors and allowing victims to make their own decisions while being prepared for future dialogue.
The back of each card featured information about Zonta International and the local club, helping raise awareness of the organization’s mission to build a better world for women and girls.
As the world marks the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence from 25 November to 10 December, the Zonta Club III of Colombo, Sri Lanka, kick-started its campaign with an Advocacy and Legislative Awareness program for employees at the Spring & Summer garment factory in Maharagama. Executives from the organization attended the event who will carry this message further to the more than 100 female working team.
Past President and founder member of Zonta Club III of Colombo, Shiranthi Gunawardena, who also serves as president of the Sri Lanka Women Lawyers Association, addressed participants alongside officials from the Sri Lanka Police Bureau for the Prevention and Investigation of Abuse of Children and Women. Club President Shera Hassen also joined the activity, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to prevention and legal awareness.
This year, the club marked the 16 Days of Activism under the theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” which highlights the increasing prevalence of technology-facilitated abuse. Studies show that between 16% and 58% of women have experienced some form of digital violence, including harassment, non-consensual image sharing, stalking and online exploitation. Experts note that digital violence mirrors societal gender inequalities and can result in severe psychological, physical and economic consequences.
In response to these challenges, Zonta Club III of Colombo emphasized the six strategic pillars guiding efforts to end digital violence: accountability, prevention, justice, response, economic empowerment and research. As part of its local advocacy, the club commissioned an electronic billboard at a major junction in Kollupitiya, Colombo 3, calling attention to the campaign and urging public action.
The Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, Philippines, launched its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence on 25 November, with an online program centered on envisioning a world free from violence. Zontians, youth advocates and community partners gathered virtually to promote the Zonta Says NO Pledge, aligning with the global advocacy campaign of Zonta International.
Participants publicly signed the pledge, shared the official message and changed their profile photos to amplify awareness across social media. Club President Liza Mora-Arroyo emphasized the significance of the action, calling each signature “a voice declaring enough is enough.” Youth members and survivors alike expressed that the digital movement strengthened their sense of hope and solidarity.
Former Club President Dr. Evelyn Guzman underscored the impact of visibility, noting that sharing the pledge helps break the silence surrounding abuse. The launch set a strong foundation for the campaign’s remaining days, reaffirming the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao’s commitment to a safer and more equitable community.
Day 2: “Advocacy Banner for Change”
On 26 November, the club expanded its advocacy with a highly visible banner campaign promoting the message “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women and Girls.” Members distributed banners to partner agencies and schools, encouraging public display as a bold reminder of communal responsibility.
Key partners included LGU Tuguegarao City, LGU Lal-lo, DepEd Region 2, Housing agencies, PNP RO2, the Regional Trial Court, Cagayan State University and multiple public schools. Club President Mora-Arroyo said the banners “speak” by confronting the community with a clear message that violence has no place in society.
School and government partners noted that displaying the banners demonstrates unity and commitment to women’s safety. The campaign strengthened advocacy networks and increased public visibility across the region.
Day 3: “Orange the City”
On the third day, the Zonta club and youth advocates turned public spaces into bright symbols of hope, covering campuses and partner areas in orange, the global color of the movement to end violence against women.
Cagayan State University and Cagayan National High School participated, with the Z Club of CNHS leading creative installations and campus displays. Students expressed pride in taking part, noting that the visual impact encouraged dialogue and awareness.
Reflecting on the activity, a Z Club of CNHS member shared, “Decorating our school in orange showed us that we can be part of the change. Every ribbon, banner, and display speaks louder than words and reminds everyone to take a stand against violence.” Another participant from CSU noted, “When the community and students unite, the message becomes impossible to ignore. Today, we showed that safety and respect for women is everyone’s responsibility.”
Day 4: “Abuloy: A Memorial Donation for GBV Victims”
The Zonta Club of Tuguegaro marked Day 4 with a solemn observance honoring victims of gender-based violence. The club launched “Abuloy: A Memorial Donation,” a culturally meaningful initiative symbolizing remembrance, solidarity and support for survivors.
In Filipino culture, “abuloy” is a donation traditionally given when someone dies, offered as an act of remembrance and support for the bereaved family. For this initiative, the Z Club of CNHS members actively collected the abuloy, symbolizing the youth’s meaningful participation in remembering victims and supporting advocacy efforts. All collected “abuloy” will be donated to the Zonta Women Foundation, which will use the funds to sustain service projects and initiatives designed to protect women and girls in the community.
Club President Liza Mora-Arroyo emphasized the importance of remembrance, stating, “Today, we honor those whose voices were silenced and those whose lives were cut short. By remembering them, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a safer, more compassionate world for all women and girls.” A Z Club member shared, “Participating in ‘Abuloy’ gives meaning to our advocacy. It reminds us that our actions today can help protect and empower women tomorrow.”
Day 5: “ThreadZ of Hope—Dressmaking for Survivors”
The club celebrated youth empowerment during the 16 Days through “ThreadZ of Hope,” a Project CloZet initiative led by dressmaking students of the Z Club of Cagayan National High School. Under the guidance of their teachers and club members, students began creating dresses for children who are victims of abuse or whose mothers are survivors.
Club President Mora-Arroyo said the project taught youth that advocacy and service can be expressed through skills and creativity. The initiative builds on the success of past dressmaking distributions supporting Indigenous children and local families.
ThreadZ of Hope reinforced the value of intergenerational collaboration and highlighted how young people can turn learning into meaningful acts of compassion.
Day 6: “WE Zumba—Women Empowerment Through Movement”
On Day 6, more than 60 women gathered at Robinsons Place Tuguegarao for WE Zumba, a high-energy event promoting empowerment, unity and visibility. The venue filled with orange outfits and advocacy messages, transforming a fitness activity into a public call to end violence.
Participants described the event as both energizing and symbolic. Awards for attire and movement celebrated enthusiasm and community spirit. The club provided refreshments to support participants and sustain engagement.
Day 6 demonstrated that advocacy can be woven into everyday activities, creating dynamic spaces where women celebrate strength, solidarity and collective purpose.
Walk Against Family Violence On 28 November, members of the Zonta Clubs of Melbourne on Yarra Inc and Melbourne West Inc, Australia, joined the Respect Victoria annual Walk Against Family Violence, marching alongside like-minded organizations and community leaders. Speakers included representatives from Indigenous communities and a Muslim woman who shared her lived experience, describing how she only recognized her situation as coercive control after receiving community support. Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and for Women, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making coercive control a stand-alone criminal offense. The march saw a record turnout of men and families, signaling growing societal recognition that violence against women is unacceptable. Participants emphasized the shared goal of preventing further additions to “The Lost Petition,” a now 38-meter-long textile memorial listing women and children killed by men’s violence since 2008.
Film Screening of Shayda On 29 November, the Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra hosted a screening of the award-winning international film “Shayda” at the Ivanhoe Library. The 2023 film recounts the story of an Iranian woman fleeing domestic violence and seeking refuge in Queensland. During a moving Q&A, the real “Shayda,” Yaz, discussed reliving her trauma during production and the long legal battle she faced after escaping her husband. Her daughter Noora, who lived in refuge as a child and later directed the film, has traveled the world sharing its message, with women everywhere recognizing their own stories in it. Yaz emphasized the lifesaving role of accessible information for women escaping violence, recalling that discovering a small legal aid booklet years ago gave her the courage and knowledge to leave.
Supporting Young Survivors During the campaign period, the Zonta Club of Melbourne on Yarra Inc donated AU$3,000 to the Lighthouse “Freedom House,” which is for young women escaping early and forced marriage, modern slavery and domestic violence. The Freedom House offers accommodation, physical support and counselling. This money will be used to help young women get practical support.
Members of the Z and Youth Club of the Zonta Clubs of Dhaka I, II, III, and IV, presented a dance drama in support of the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women. Inspired by Malala Yousafzai’s empowering words, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world,” the performance underscored the transformative role of education for girls. The club hopes the message and performance remind viewers that education is key to unlocking possibilities and stopping violence against women.
On 25 November, members of Zonta District 24 joined the “No More Empty Shoes” Vigil in Sydney, standing in solidarity with survivors, advocates and the families of women and children lost to domestic and family violence. In partnership with more than 30 frontline and community organisations, around 30 Zontians paid tribute to the 74 women and children who have been killed in Australia in 2025—each pair of empty shoes symbolising a life taken far too soon.
The keynote speaker, Tabitha Acret, mother of Mackenzie Anderson and representative of They Are Our Daughters, delivered a powerful and heartfelt address. She spoke of the profound loss of her daughter, whose own child was just one year old when her mother’s life was taken. Tabitha is now a courageous advocate for those left behind, calling for stronger domestic violence sentencing laws and systemic change to prevent further tragedy.
Zonta District 24 remains committed to raising awareness, supporting survivors and advocating for meaningful action to end violence against women and children.
Throughout Days 7 to 10 of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, carried out a series of legal, educational and international advocacy initiatives, strengthening its mission to protect women and children from violence in both physical and digital spaces.
Day 7: Digital Safety and Cybercrime Awareness in Mallig On 1 December, the club held a legal symposium in Mallig focused on the growing threat of online violence against women and children. Zontian and legal expert Attorney Cheryl Canapi-Malana led an in-depth lecture on cybercrime laws, including online harassment and libel, digital sexual violence and safe internet practices for minors. The program highlighted how existing laws can be used to prosecute perpetrators of digital abuse. Club members thanked Mayor Jose Philip “JP” Calderon and local officials for their support, noting that community legal knowledge is a crucial defense against gender-based violence.
Day 8: Global Advocacy Through the ARTA Caravan in Tokyo On 2 December, the club extended its #ZontaSaysNO campaign internationally as Zontians Attorney Jenny Flor Manantan-Cabaddu, Attorney Karla Louise Agbayani and Attorney Analou Villeza, also members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Isabela Chapter, provided free legal services at the Philippine ARTA Caravan in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo. The ARTA Caravan brings government services to Filipinos abroad, reinforcing the connection between gender-based violence and bureaucratic barriers that can hinder survivors seeking justice. The club emphasized that both GBV and red tape are global issues requiring an efficient institutional response to ensure women can access timely support.
Day 9: Envisioning a Violence-Free Future in Roxas, Isabela The Zonta Club of Isabela dedicated 3 December to envisioning long-term strategies for a VAW-free community. Vice Mayor Lourdes Panganiban of Angadanan delivered a lecture titled “Beyond the Horizon (Ending Violence Against Women)” to personnel of the LGU of Roxas. The discussion covered survivor-centered recovery, community-wide prevention planning, sustainable livelihood support for women and the importance of listening to survivors as a foundation for effective governance. The club praised LGU Roxas for its commitment to future-focused anti-violence strategies as part of its ongoing 18-day VAW campaign.
Day 10: Listening to Youth Needs at Alicia Vocational School On 4 December, the club held a comprehensive legal and health symposium at Alicia Vocational School, focusing on the protection of youth. The Municipal Health Office addressed teenage pregnancy; Zonta Club of Isabela Vice President Judge Ramorelia Lodriguito-Caranay covered laws on online sexual exploitation (RA 11930) and safe spaces (RA 11313); and Retired Judge Lornabeth Ucol discussed privacy protection under RA 9995. The club recognized the Municipality of Alicia for its strong cooperation and thanked Zontian Aida Pallagud Alejandro, wife of Mayor Joel Amos, for serving as host and partner in ensuring youth safety and empowerment.
Katia Graziosi is the daughter of Anna Zucchini, one of the women arrested on 8 March 1955, for distributing mimosa flowers on International Women’s Day. At the time, Katia was 8 years old, and her memories of her mother’s imprisonment are still vivid in her memory.
The Zonta Club of Bologna Due Torri, Italy, collaborated with Katia to tell her story and fight against violence.
In 2025, “MIMOSE,” Anna Zucchini’s prison memoirs, was published.
Katia also contributed to “Fuori dall’Ombra” (Out of the Shadow), a symbolic book of UDI (Italian Women’s Union). The book was written to recount the experience of the women’s workshops organized by UDI volunteers inside the Dozza women’s prison in Bologna. Katia organizes and coordinates numerous anti-violence support centers in Bologna and the surrounding province, helping women who have lost everything, including with reintegration into the workforce.
*This article was translated into English using Google Translate.”
Every year, the Zonta Club of Port Macquarie Inc, Australia, sponsors the Nautilus College Student of the Year shield. This year, the club called on men and boys to speak up, take responsibility and stand as allies in the fight against gender-based violence.
The Zonta club highlighted the shared values between the club and Nautilus College, including community, friendship, equality, inclusion, respect and integrity.
Join us in saying NO 