Glow with Zonta

On 10 December, the Zonta Club of Lenawee, USA, concluded the 16 Days of Activism with “Glow With Zonta,” an impactful event held on the courthouse lawn. The evening featured heartfelt remarks from a local family navigating a public domestic violence case, “Justice for Dee,” and a moving performance by a local singer.

The event provided an opportunity to educate the community about Zonta’s mission while raising awareness about domestic violence. Zonta Says NO signs were prominently displayed on the courthouse lawn for the 16 days leading up to the event, amplifying the campaign’s visibility.

Attendees participated in a moment of silence, followed by a march around the block with the Zonta Says NO banner, demonstrating solidarity and commitment to ending gender-based violence. Covered by 13 ABC News, the event was a powerful success, with plans to make it an annual tradition.

Zonta Club of Ibadan I and II conclude the 16 Days with resolve

The Zonta Clubs of Ibadan I and II, Nigeria, concluded their 16 Days of Activism campaign on 10 December at Bodija Market, engaging men and women in discussions about fostering peace in communities and empowering the girl child for a brighter future.

Through collaborative efforts, the clubs emphasized Zonta’s clear and unwavering message: Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women and Girls!

Zonta Club of Göttingen’s 16 Days of Activism

The Zonta Club of Göttingen, Germany, marked the 16 Days of Activism with a series of impactful initiatives, including a benefit theater performance addressing gender-based violence, a robust social media campaign during the 16 Days and the raising of Zonta flags in front of the Göttingen Town Hall on 25 November.

Zonta Club of Kuopio I illuminates awareness

For the fifth consecutive year, the Zonta Club of Kuopio I, Finland, illuminated public buildings in orange to raise awareness for the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign. This impactful initiative continues to serve as a vibrant reminder of the club’s dedication to ending gender-based violence and promoting equality.

Zonta Club of Fleurieu Peninsula Inc’s 16 Days of Activism

The Zonta Club Fleurieu Peninsula Inc, Australia, actively engaged the community with impactful initiatives during the 16 Days of Activism, focusing on raising awareness of gender-based violence and advocating for change.

Community Awareness Walk Against Gender-Based Violence
The club collaborated with Junction Australia-Fleurieu and the Haven Women’s Information Service for the inaugural walk against gender-based violence in Goolwa. Participants, joined by beautiful weather, marched down Cadell Street to the riverfront, where they observed a respectful silence for women killed by their partners this year. Eye-catching banners with the message “Zonta Says No” were also displayed roadside in Victor Harbor and outside Goolwa Secondary College.

Film Night Advocacy
The club hosted a special film screening of Lee during the campaign at Victor Harbor. Before the screening, club members highlighted Zonta’s global mission to end violence against women and girls. Guest speaker Tammy Elvin, Regional Manager for Junction Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island, shared insights into Junction’s role in the region and announced upcoming emergency accommodations for women at risk of homelessness.

Through advocacy, collaboration, and impactful events, the Zonta Club reinforced its commitment to a world free of violence against women and girls.

Zonta of Club of Cheyenne hosts silent witness march and domestic violence discussion

On 2 December, the Zonta Club of Cheyenne, USA, led a Silent Witness March in downtown Cheyenne to honor local victims of domestic violence. Community members joined the march, carrying silhouettes representing individuals killed by domestic partners or family members. Following the march, participants shared personal stories of loss and survival, creating a powerful space for reflection and awareness.

The silhouettes were later displayed at the community library, where the public could read about the victims throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

As part of the campaign, the club also secured proclamations from the Governor of Wyoming and the Mayor of Cheyenne, recognizing the urgency of ending gender-based violence.

The Silent Witness events garnered local media coverage, amplifying the club’s message and advocacy efforts to promote awareness and action against domestic violence.

Zonta Club of Stanthorpe Inc says NO to violence against women

On 29 November, more than 100 residents of the small township of Stanthorpe in rural Queensland, Australia, took a stand against domestic and family violence, led by members of Zonta Club of Stanthorpe Inc, Australia. Local community organizations including Southern Downs Regional Council, Rotary International, Queensland Police Service and Lions Club of Stanthorpe, recognized the international campaign Zonta Says NO to Gender Based Violence with a vigil and walk through the streets of the small rural town in Australia. Landmarks and parks were lit orange and a series of orange footsteps were placed along the street and remained for the 16 Days of Activism .

Zonta club of Dhaka III empowers futures and breaks barriers

Empowering Underprivileged Girls at Abinte Kabir Foundation
On 5 December, the Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, organized an advocacy program at the Abinte Kabir Foundation, a school for underprivileged girls. The initiative focused on addressing early child marriage and gender-based violence (GBV).

The event included the donation of a sanitary napkin dispenser to improve menstrual hygiene, reducing school absenteeism and empowering young girls to pursue education uninterrupted. Distinguished attendees, including the Past Governor of District 25 and the club’s leadership, emphasized education as a critical tool for combating child marriage and GBV, aligning with Zonta’s mission to advance gender equality.

Awareness Program at Shishu Bikash Kendra (SBK)
On 7 December, the club held a similar program at SBK, a club-funded school for underprivileged children. The initiative highlighted the importance of education as a means to fight GBV and early child marriage, benefiting 130 children from vulnerable families.

Interactive sessions engaged parents and students, addressing the adverse health effects of early marriage and promoting women’s and children’s rights. Parents shared their challenges, while Zonta leaders offered practical solutions to prioritize education.

Both events reflect the club’s commitment to empowering communities, fostering awareness and breaking cycles of inequality through education and advocacy.

Zonta Club of Yverdon-les-Bains shines light on gender-based violence

As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, illuminated the main square in orange, symbolizing solidarity with the fight against gender-based violence.

A display of 19 pairs of shoes hung from the windows of the Town Hall, representing the 19 feminicides in Switzerland from 1 January to 25 November 2024. This impactful visual aimed to honor victims and raise public awareness about the urgency of addressing violence against women.

Zonta Club of Hualien’s response to the 16 Days of Activism

The Zonta Club of Hualien, Taiwan, launched the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women campaign alongside its social service activities. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about Zonta’s commitment to opposing domestic violence and empowering women to break free from abusive situations.

Club president Peng Liping emphasized the importance of helping women understand their rights and encouraging them to stand up to their abusers. By doing so, the initiative seeks to prevent women and their children from enduring the long-term effects of violence and fosters a future free from its shadow.