ZontaSaysNO

Zonta Club of Makati and Environs partners with Makati Social Welfare Development to combat violence against women and children 

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On 9 August, the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Philippines, conducted a meeting with a like-minded organization in Makati, the Makati Social Welfare Development (MSWD). The two organizations discussed the Memorandum of Understanding and planned collaborations for celebrating the 16 Days of Activism, Women’s Month and other advocacy projects that will benefit marginalized women and children in Makati.  The main goals of this collaboration are:  

1. To help resolve the issue of violence against women and children in the marginalized sectors of society, specifically in Makati. 

 2. To create programs and activities that raise awareness about violence against women and children.  

3. To improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women in Makati through service and advocacy. 

4. To advance understanding, goodwill and peace through significant activities and programs that promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.  

5. To unite in fostering high ethical standards, implementing service and advocacy programs and providing mutual support to communities.  

Present at this meeting were club president Joanne Z. Andrada, accompanied by club service committee chairs Vikki Yu and Armita Rufino and club executive director Jay Joaquino. Also in attendance were MSWD department head Ms. Loida Pangilinan, Ms. Dulce Manansala, RSW and two other staff members from MSWD.  The city of Makati, MSWD and the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs Foundation, Inc. are partners in promoting programs to combat violence against women and children. 

Zonta Club of Cebu II participates in anti-human trafficking orientation

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Members of the Zonta Club of Cebu II, Philippines, wore blue to show solidarity with human trafficking victims worldwide as they joined Mandaue City’s Gender and Development personnel for a workshop and orientation on trafficking in persons. This event, held to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July, brought together Violence Against Women (VAW) desk officials, Department of Social Welfare staff, Department of Justice lawyers, police officers and representatives from the Commission of Filipinos Overseas, among others. 

The workshop focused on anti-human trafficking laws, risk factors that contribute to trafficking and exploitation in vulnerable communities, identifying red flags, and utilizing referral networks for rescue and prosecution efforts. Discussions emphasized the need for increased community awareness, improved referral systems, interagency collaboration, and effective reporting and investigation to strengthen the prosecution and conviction of traffickers. 

Participants advocated for a stronger, united campaign against trafficking, particularly child trafficking. The club members also distributed their statement against the trafficking and exploitation of children and minors, available in both English and the Cebuano dialect. 

Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao says NO to human trafficking 

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Over 17 officers and members of the Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, led by President Josefina Sedano, demonstrated their commitment to combating human trafficking by participating in the culmination program of the World Day Against Trafficking event. Spearheaded by the Department of Justice and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, this annual event aims to raise awareness and encourage global action to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute traffickers. 

This year’s campaign, themed “Iisang Nasyon, Iisang Aksyon. Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Tapusin ang Human Trafficking Ngayon!” emphasizes the need for dedicated support for child trafficking victims and urges the public and policymakers to accelerate efforts to end human trafficking. The club’s efforts align with this broader mission to empower women and promote gender equality, focusing on advocacy, education and partnerships with other organizations to address the root causes and consequences of human trafficking. 

Zontians also showed their support during the launch of the Blue Corner and Help Desk, initiatives aimed at encouraging involvement from national and local governments, civil society, the corporate sector and individuals to inspire action and help prevent human trafficking. 

Zonta Club of Tuguegarao Says NO to violence against women and girls

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During the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, Philippines, collaborated with the Z-Club of Cagayan National High School to raise awareness about gender-based violence. Through a meeting on Violence Against Women and Girls, the aim was to educate youth about the impact, causes, and potential solutions to these reprehensible acts against the vulnerable gender. 

The conference featured Zontian Atty. Rowena H. De Guzman-Donato as the distinguished Resource Speaker, imparting invaluable insights into this silent pandemic within the community. Among the attendees were Zister Dr. Evelyn Guzman, Zister Liza Del Rosario Mora, Zister Filomena Tristeza, Zister Rebecca P. Cumigad and the School Principal, Ms. Carmen A. Acain. 

The success of the Symposium on Violence Against Women and Girls was evident through the active participation and dedication of the club members and the leadership of the Z-Club of Cagayan National High School, all committed to change for women and girls. Youth participants expressed their determination to sustain the momentum and continue striving for a violence-free world, stating, “Together, we can make a difference!” 

In the words of the Z-Club of Cagayan National High School, “Let’s stand united against violence and strive for a safer, more inclusive world.” 

Zonta Club of Glens Falls Say NO to sexual assault: $7,500 donation toward forensic equipment

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The Zonta Club of Glens Falls, USA, along with the foundation treasurer, has taken a significant step in combating sexual assault by donating $7,500 to the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners at Glens Falls Hospital. This contribution will enable the purchase of a colposcope, an essential device for gathering forensic evidence crucial in prosecuting sexual assault cases. 

Aligned with the mission to empower women and girls, the club is committed to making a real impact in the fight against sexual predation. Through partnerships with local agencies and institutions that share the same goals, the club aims to raise awareness and bring about meaningful change in the community. 

Zonta Club of Caloundra City Inc partner with Sunshine Coast Falcons for Respect Round

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The Zonta Club of Caloundra City Inc, Australia, joined forces with the Sunshine Coast Falcons during the Respect Round for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Embracing the commitment to combat domestic violence, the club distributed vital information and stress balls adorned with support service phone numbers. Additionally, the members formed an honor guard, standing as a beacon of support as players took to the field. With unwavering resolve, the club boldly declares: “Zonta Says NO to Domestic Violence.”

Join the movement: Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte’s 16 days of activism

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The Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte launched a 16-day activism campaign, each day featuring a different action. The club’s goal was to raise awareness, and they did that and more with making significant noise in reaffirming commitment to service and advocacy programs. Their efforts addressed crucial issues such as preventing teenage pregnancy, promoting financial literacy and fostering women’s rights. Through educational forums, community outreach and continuous support, they transformed countless lives, paving the way for a more just and inclusive future.

Click here to watch the 2022 and 2023 video.

Orange the World Campaign 2023 in Assen conducted by Zonta Club of Drenthe

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November 25th, the City Hall of Assen, among others, turned orange once again. With this initiative, the municipality of Assen says NO to violence against women and joins the global campaign Orange the World.

This year’s campaign theme in the Netherlands was: Safe, everywhere and always. The Orange the World campaign runs from November 25 to December 10.

The Orange Assen working group organizes and supports various activities during this period. Campaign Opening on November 25: The campaign in Assen kicked off on Saturday, November 25, at 5:00 PM at the market square with speeches from alderman Broekema and members of the Soroptimistclub Assen and Zonta Drenthe.

The market square was chosen for this event because harassment in the hospitality industry and on the street is addressed through the “Ask for Angela” project. This will also be highlighted during the opening.

The event concludes with a flash mob featuring youth from 1lovedancecenter by José Fraai. November 27 at 4:30 PM: Launch of Musical ART Video Clip The launch of the video clip takes place at Garage TDI.

In collaboration with Orange the World Assen, Garage TDI has created a video clip with young people from the theater pre-training. The viewer is made aware that violence against women occurs in various places in society. Violence can happen anywhere, where men and women gather; also at work, during social outings, at sports clubs, in public transportation, in education, in healthcare, in student associations, at festivals, at the beach, and not to forget in cyberspace.

After the launch, participants engage in a discussion led by the Center for Sexual Violence and Safe at Home Drenthe. The Musical Art video clip will be widely distributed on social media after the launch. November 29 at 7:30 PM Theme Evening in the council chamber of the municipality of Assen.

A theme evening on “Safe, everywhere and always, now and in the future” took place in the council chamber of the municipality of Assen. Anyone involved in work and/or volunteer work or who is interested was invited.

The evening began with showing the Garage TDI’s video clip and the short film “Dear Diary” about the present and the future. The theme of the evening was further introduced by the Center for Sexual Violence and Safe at Home Drenthe, followed by a speech from Alderman Jan Broekema and Provincial Executive Yvonne Turenhout discussing their approach to street harassment and social safety. Subsequently, a discussion was held.

December 9 Red Shoes at Koopmansplein Assen against Femicide On December 9, the municipal council members of Assen organised an action at Koopmansplein in Assen by putting 43 pairs of red shoes on the pavement, this is the number of women that were killed in 2022 in the Netherlands just because they were women.

This was to draw attention to violence against women and femicide. A pamflet was offered to Mayor Marco Out. Education in Action Drenthe College and the secondary schools Dr. Nassau College and CS Vincent van Gogh displayed the Orange the World flag and organized various activities for students, pupils, and staff to raise awareness about the theme “STOP violence against women”.

Businesses in Action More and more businesses, sports clubs, and socially engaged organizations in Assen color their buildings orange, fly the flag, display #Medestander (#we declare ourselvers ally ) posters, and/or use other means to support the campaign.

WALL OF Z’s for Zonta Club of Tuguegarao

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On the 10th day of the 16 Days of Activism of the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao dubbed as “A Day of Awareness” signals its strong campaign to END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS.

As such, efforts like engaging students and letting them become allies in efforts to empower women and girls in our society is one of the crucial steps towards achieving gender equality.

So, President. Maria Olivia B. Pascual saw the opportunity to launch the ‘WALL OF Z’s” in 4 public high schools in the Municipality of Lal-lo headed by Mayor Florante “Anteng” Pascual in partnership with the Z-club of Lal-lo National High School.

WALL OF Z’s were created which echoes ZCT’s campaign to raise awareness of the global pandemic of women’s rights violations in line with Zonta International’s campaign. Proudly we serve the Zonta Way.

ZCT warmly appreciates all the Public Schools District Supervisor, School Principals, and Schools who participated:

– Lal-lo National High School

– Magapit National High School

– Logac National High School

– Cabayabasan National High School

By working together, ZCT believes to pave the way to uproot violence on women and girls!

Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County takes action against gender-based violence

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Our “Zonta Says No” activities begin in late October to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month and then tie in to Zonta Says Not and the “16 Days.” This year we coordinated a collection of projects with our Z Club, and local community partners and our club members.

We began with our Boulder High School Pantherz Z Club which created a Silent Witness display in their school library to advocate against sexual assault and domestic violence. They trace large life-sized silhouettes on construction paper which then post a story of a victim killed by violence. These 20 plus silhouettes are on display in the school for a month along with materials about “Zonta Says No” and community victim resources.

A similar display was also created by students from Front Range Community College’s Feminist Club. Here the silhouettes (all with the Zonta Says No logo) were hung throughout the halls of the student center and support materials are provided. We then sponsored a 2-hour presentation by Dr Amy Bonomi, who presented the findings of her recently published book” Recantation and Domestic Violence: The Untold Story.” Co-authored with David Martin, the book illustrates the precise interpersonal dynamics of recantation in criminal cases in which felony-level abuse has occurred.

Finally, each year our club members join our criminal justice community to fund the Beth Haynes Memorial Award and participate in the selection process. As our District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Response team describes it:

“That great time of year again where we get to recognize and honor all the amazing work that our law enforcement partners do for the safety and dignity of domestic violence victims in our community. The Beth Haynes Award is given to a select individual among our law enforcement partners who has demonstrated excellent skills, commitment, and passion in addressing intimate partner violence as a significant public health issue.”

Officer Beth Haynes was shot and killed in 1994, upon arriving at the scene of a domestic dispute. This Award is funded by our club, honors her memory, and encourages continued awareness and response to this prolific public health challenge. We are honored to partner with The Boulder County Domestic Violence Task Force to recognize those who have demonstrated excellence in handling DV cases and protecting victims.

Finally, to have our voice heard in the community, our Advocacy Committee submitted a Guest Opinion entitled Guest opinion: Sheila King: This month, raise awareness to prevent domestic violence and this letter to the Editor Ranelle Randles: Help raise awareness about domestic violence in Colorado.