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The Zonta Club of Cebu II in the Philippines, District 17, is paying homage to women from all walks of life with “Musings on Women: A Pop Art and Photo Competition Exhibit.”

More than 100 photos were submitted to the photography contest. A total of 25 entries were chosen to be finalists for the exhibit, which features the work of local photographers and artists showcasing women in the various roles they play in society.

The opening of the art exhibit on 23 November marked the beginning of the club’s 18 days of activism against gender-based violence, which will end on 10 December.

The Zonta e-Club of West Africa, District 18, commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with an art exhibition at Alliance Française in Accra, Ghana, in collaboration with the French Embassy in Ghana, UNFPA, Alliance Française d’Accra, and CoPASH (Coalition of People against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and Harmful Practices).

Members of the Zonta e-Club of West Africa took part in the art exhibition and official ceremony as part of the club’s way of recognizing the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

The program, which was aimed at raising awareness of the hidden forms of violence against women, was preceded by a call for projects from both male and female artists on the subject. The collection of art came in different forms and communicated the various types of abuse women and girls suffer in a moving and engaging way.

Samira Bawumia, second lady of the Republic of Ghana, Anne Sophie Avé, French Ambassador to Ghana, and the Chilean ambassador to Ghana attended the official ceremony. Also in attendance were the artists who submitted works for the exhibition: the Lycée Français d’Accra Jacques Prévert, Achimota Senior High School, and members of the local community. There was also a performance by Drama Queens, a feminist political theater organization.

Joyce Dzide-Tei, president of Zonta e-club of West Africa, commended the French Embassy and its partners for strongly advocating for gender equality. She mentioned that the club will be actively engaged in multiple events to mark the 16 Days of Activism of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and encouraged both men and women, victims and survivors, to continue to take a stand to end all forms of violence against women and girls worldwide.

The Zonta Clubs of Bern and Bern Ursa in Switzerland, District 28, joined to spread awareness of child marriage.

Members of the clubs participated in a road action called “Bound Bride” and handed out flyers containing information about child marriage and forced marriage.

They also collected approximately 500 signatures on a petition titled, “Child marriage and forced marriage offend against human rights and are unacceptable types of violence.” The clubs turned the petition into Simonetta Sommaruga, the Swiss justice minister, along with a letter containing the expectation that Switzerland realizes the Istanbul Convention and closes gaps where applicable.

The minimum age to get married in Switzerland is 18, but there is a practice called “outplacement,” in which families send girls to foreign countries to get married.

The Zonta Club of Kitchener-Waterloo in Canada, District 4, kicked off their Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign at an event that included the lights lining the main street in downtown Waterloo turning orange.

Club President Jane Newman, Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky and the executive director of the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region all gave speeches at the event, followed by local musicians performing indigenous drumming and singing.