The Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign is a global initiative uniting Zontians around the world in one common goal—to end gender-based violence. Through this campaign, Zonta clubs, areas, and districts develop advocacy actions that focus on preventing violence, protecting victims, and prosecuting perpetrators.

The goal is to sensitize the public to violence against women as a human rights violation and to raise awareness of Zonta’s advocacy efforts to prevent and end violence against women and girls locally and globally through actions undertaken by Zonta clubs, areas and districts worldwide.

Zonta International launched the campaign in 2012 to raise awareness of our efforts to end violence against women and girls at the club, district, and international levels.

In 2014, the campaign evolved from awareness-raising to a more impact-driven approach, emphasizing advocacy actions that create real and lasting change.

In 2017, Zonta clubs worldwide addressed human trafficking—one of the most widespread human rights violations—by incorporating another critical Council of Europe Convention, the Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. This helped clubs educate their communities and advocate for stronger protections for victims.

Around 2018, Zonta turned its attention to ending child marriage, one of the most harmful practices affecting girls globally. This focus reflects Zonta’s commitment to tackling the root causes of gender inequality and empowering every girl to live free from violence.

Today, Zonta emphasizes the many forms Violence Against Women and Girls takes and has initiated an annual Summit to address these issues.

The Zonta Says NO Summit is an annual virtual event that brings together advocates, experts, and Zontians from around the world to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen collective efforts to end gender-based violence.

The Summit was first launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to keep the global conversation active and engaging despite physical distance. Since then, it has become a cornerstone event of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, offering a platform for learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

On 10 December 2025, the campaign will host its fifth annual Summit, focusing on the theme of engaging male allies. This year’s discussions will highlight the critical role men and boys play in preventing gender-based violence and promoting equality, reinforcing Zonta’s commitment to building partnerships that create lasting change.

No, Zonta International did not create the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, but the organization actively participates in it each year. This global campaign runs annually from November 25 to December 10 and was initiated by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership in 1991 to raise awareness and prompt action to end violence against women and girls worldwide.

Zonta International uses the 16 Days as an opportunity to align advocacy activities across clubs, districts, and the international organization. Through community events, educational initiatives, and social media campaigns, Zonta clubs contribute to a coordinated global effort to highlight the urgency of ending gender-based violence.

Since 2015, Zonta has used the Council of Europe’s Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence—commonly known as the Istanbul Convention—as a guiding framework. This convention is the first legally binding instrument to address violence against women and domestic violence, and Zonta has played an important role in raising global awareness about its significance.

The Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign is an independent initiative created and led by Zonta International. While it shares a common goal with the United Nations’ UNiTE to End Violence Against Women campaign—raising awareness and preventing violence against women and girls—Zonta’s campaign is focused specifically on advancing Zonta International’s advocacy efforts at the club, district, and international levels.

Zonta’s campaign highlights the organization’s own actions and impact while aligning with the broader global movement to end gender-based violence. In addition, Zonta collaborates with partner initiatives that complement and strengthen its message, such as the White Ribbon Campaign and Orange Your World.

All partnerships and collaborations are guided by Zonta International’s Affiliation with Other Organizations policy and adhere to established organizational guidelines to ensure consistency, integrity, and alignment with Zonta’s mission.

The Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign strengthens both Zonta International’s internal advocacy efforts and its global visibility. Internally, the campaign encourages clubs, areas, and districts to expand their advocacy actions to prevent and end violence against women and girls. This unified focus empowers Zontians at every level to take meaningful action and align their efforts under a shared mission.

Externally, the campaign amplifies Zonta’s visibility through multiple platforms, including the Zonta International website, The Zontian magazine, and Zonta International’s social media channels. By showcasing advocacy initiatives and results to a global audience, Zonta demonstrates its leadership and commitment to ending gender-based violence.

Together, these efforts enhance Zonta’s global credibility as a respected and active voice advocating for the rights and safety of women and girls worldwide.

Clubs and districts can take action to end violence against women and girls throughout the year, with a special focus during the 16 Days of Activism 25 November – 10 December (25 November, International Day for the Elimination of VAW – 10 December, Human Rights Day). Clubs can continue existing programs or start new initiatives, such as addressing child, early, and forced marriage, using the Istanbul Convention as a guide.

Zonta provides advocacy tools and resources that clubs can adapt to their local communities. Clubs are encouraged to share their activities through zontasaysno.com. Z and Golden Z clubs can also participate in or lead activities. Actions can include community education, partnerships, or advocacy for change—whatever fits the club’s local needs. Every action contributes to Zonta’s global mission to end violence against women and girls.

Advocacy actions do not have to cost money; they take time and energy.

However, clubs and districts can purchase Zonta-branded campaign items from the online Zonta Store. Costs are kept to a minimum to enable as many clubs and members to participate and show their support for ending violence against women and girls with Zonta’s logo clearly visible.

• Laaha: A Virtual Safe Space for Women and Girls, in partnership with UNICEF USA.
• ClimateEmpower, in partnership with UNFPA.
  • Specific objectives include:
    • Foster gender-transformative community empowerment and capacity building for women and girls in the context of climate shocks and crises to reduce gender-based violence and harmful practices and strengthen women and girls’ role as agents of change for climate resilience.
    • Promote women and girl-led innovative solutions to build resilience and protect against gender-based violence with an emphasis on addressing discriminatory social norms.
• Ending Child Marriage, a project in partnership with UNFPA and UNICEF via UNICEF USA.