On Wednesday, 26 November 2025, Zontian Dr. Sunjutha Witchawut, president of the Zonta Club of Bangkok IX, Thailand, led her club in a whole-day campaign to stop violence at the Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Phanomthuanchanupathum School, Satree Wat Mahapruttharam Girls’ School, Trium Udom Suksas Pattankarn School and Visuttharangsri School.
The club was honoured to have the associate dean of The Faculty of Forensic Sciences Police Academy give a special lecture on “Vaccine Cyber” for all students.
Zonta leaders from Zonta Thailand, the police academy and a guest speaker, “a well-known movie actor,” joined the club to share their knowledge and experiences on violence against women and children with the students.
All Z Club students were also actively competing in an essay competition and a PR parade in a community area around the university to support the Stop Violence Against Women campaign.
On November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Leipzig, at the initiative of the ZONTA Club Leipzig Elster, the ZONTA Club Leipzig, and the Soroptimist International Club Leipzig, is participating once again in the UN campaign Orange the World. Citizens, businesses, institutions of the City of Leipzig and other organizations, associations, and many more are actively advocating for an end to violence against women and girls.
Various campaigns are being used to draw attention to this distressing issue:
Buildings illuminated in orange
digital city light poster in Leipzig city center
Spots and images from several companies
Window display installation at the entrance to the Breuninger department store
Addressing the topic with ads and images on social media
The patron of these and other actions is the mayor and deputy mayor for social affairs, health and diversity, Dr. Martina Münch.
Furthermore, we call for a large demonstration on November 25, 2025:
Our grief turns to anger – fight and defend yourselves!
Start: 3:00 PM Johannisplatz
Stopovers: Augustusplatz, Dittrichring near St. Thomas Church
End: 5:30 p.m. at the small Willy Brandt Square with memorial for femicide victims
Germany has a violence problem.
Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation that occurs in all regions of the world and in all areas of society – unfortunately, also in Germany. Gender-based violence ranges from everyday sexism to femicide. Most perpetrators are close to the women and girls they are targeting: intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence and includes physical, sexual, emotional, economic, and psychological violence.
Almost every day in Germany, a woman is killed by her (ex-)partner.
35 percent of all women experience physical, psychological and/or sexual violence at least once in their lives.
The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) registered 265,942 cases of domestic violence in 2024 – more than ever before. 73 percent of the victims were women.
A media report analysis for 2024 identifies 171,100 cases of domestic violence – an increase of 1.9 percent compared to the previous year. 80 percent of the victims were women. (Source: Women’s Shelter Coordination Association)
This means that every four minutes a woman in Germany experiences violence at the hands of her partner or ex-partner.
63 percent of politically active women in Germany report experiencing digital violence.
Gender-based violence has long since permeated all areas of society – even democratic debate. According to a recent study by HateAid gGmbH and the Technical University of Munich, 63 percent of politically active women in Germany have already experienced digital violence – for example, in the form of insults, sexualized threats, or targeted hate campaigns.
The economic consequences are massive: According to the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), gender-based violence in the EU costs around €366 billion annually, with approximately 80 percent of this attributable to violence against women. For Germany, this equates to damages exceeding €45 billion annually – through healthcare costs, absenteeism, and lost productivity. Violence against women is therefore not only a human rights violation but also a risk to the country’s economic stability and future societal viability.
What is needed is a comprehensive political strategy and equality at all levels.
UN Women Germany, with its Orange The World campaign, is calling for everyone to finally take joint action to sustainably end violence against women.
NOW! Implementation of the Istanbul Convention!
The Istanbul Convention must be fully, consistently, and swiftly implemented to protect all women and girls from gender-based violence and ensure their access to support systems. Far too little has been done so far! Survivors’ initiatives and women’s organizations are sounding the alarm. Where is the law on providing assistance to women and girls who have experienced violence? What about the attitudes and commitment of men?
Violence against women is still downplayed as a marginal phenomenon, with serious consequences for society as a whole. Victims and staff at support and counseling centers feel abandoned. Due to the close relationship between perpetrators and victims, a high number of unreported cases is also expected. “The number of cases is rising every year and is alarmingly high.”
“Enough is enough!” say the members of the two Leipzig Zonta Clubs and the Soroptimist International Club Leipzig. With Zonta International and Soroptimist International, thousands of women worldwide are committed to stopping this violence and finally granting all women the human right to a self-determined, healthy, and violence-free life.
NOW! Take a stand against violence against women and girls in your everyday life!
As part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Zonta Club of Kaua‘i, USA, is proud to partner with the Children’s Justice Center of Kaua‘i to support their vital work in serving children who have experienced violence, abuse or trauma. This was Zonta Club of Kauai and Zonta Club of Hanalei’s service project combined with the 16 Days of Activism for 2025.
Zonta Club of Kauai member Eliza Kobayashi, donated her personal collection of plush animals to the Children’s Justice Center for children ages 3 to 17.
The Zonta Club of Linköping, Sweden, participated in a torch train in cooperation with other organizations to raise awareness of women’s rights and advocate against gender-based violence. The event was held on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and included a speech from the governor of Östergötland.
On the same day, the city library hosted an exhibition addressing violence against women. Zonta representatives provided literature on the issue and displayed a Christmas tree decorated with orange ornaments, each symbolizing a reported case of violence within the community. Organizers noted that not all cases could be represented due to limited space.
The Zonta Club of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, launched its Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign at the busy Max Mall and Grand Plaza shopping centers in Ulaanbaatar. The club displayed the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women slogan and began collecting signatures in support of the campaign against violence toward girls and women. They also started a fundraising initiative for young girls and children affected by violence who are receiving services at the National Center Against Violence of Mongolia.
Starting Tuesday, Zonta Club of Wyoming Bighorns will join the international organization’s more than 1,100 clubs for a campaign to raise awareness of violence against women.
Zonta International was first founded as an organization more than a century ago, aiming to improve living conditions for women and girls. Now, it has more than 1,100 clubs in 64 countries.
Zonta began participating in an international campaign, 16 Days of Activism, with its own version, Zonta says NO to Violence Against Women Days, in 2012. Local Zonta Service Projects Chair Yvonne Gatley said this is the second year the local club is participating in the campaign.
“The whole idea is to spread the awareness, the communication, of the predominance of violence against women throughout the world,” Gatley said.
Gatley said Sheridan is no exception from that predominance, adding the local group works to connect survivors to resources in the community, like the Advocacy and Resource Center. From Sept. 1, 2024, through September this year, Advocacy and Resource Center Executive Director Yvonne Swanson said the center assisted 456 people in Sheridan, 357 of whom were female.
The local Zonta club has worked to grow its own campaign. Last year, members wrapped a tree in orange ribbons — which Gatley said signals support and resilience — ran a public service announcement on radio stations and placed ads in the Country Bounty, a weekly shopper each Sheridanite receives in their mailbox. This year, it has kept each of those and is adding social media posts for each day of the campaign, delivering coasters to bars and putting 12 small, orange, 3D printed ladies with information cards in downtown businesses.
Among those businesses is Verdello. Owner Jenny Boedecker said she still needs to find the perfect location for the 3D printed orange lady.
“(It is) obviously a great cause that we all should be behind and supporting,” Boedecker said. “We all have a mother, a sister, a daughter, somebody in our life that’s a female and probably more likely than not known someone that’s been affected by abuse at some point.”
Sheridan Mayor Rich Bridger signed a proclamation earlier this week, declaring Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 as the 16 Days of Activism and as Zonta says NO to Violence Against Women Days.
Sheridanites who may want to get involved in the campaign or with Zonta should email zontawyomingbighorns@gmail.com or see the organization’s Facebook page. Gatley said the organization is largely aimed toward women, but men are also encouraged to participate.
The Zonta Club of Tainan, Taiwan, hosted a community program to support elder residents in rural areas by promoting safe cooking, healthy eating and nonviolent communication.
In many parts of Taiwan, older adults living alone or in rural communities face increased risks related to safety, nutrition and social isolation. To address these concerns, Zontians organized an educational workshop focused on practical skills to help seniors protect their well-being.
Oswego Mayor Robert Corradino poses with members of the Zonta Club of Oswego. The mayor issued a proclamation honoring the club and supporting its Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.
The city of Oswego recently honored the Zonta Club of Oswego for its dedication to advancing gender equality and advocating for an end to violence against women and girls.
During the Nov. 24 Oswego Common Council meeting, Mayor Robert A. Corradino issued a formal proclamation recognizing the organization’s work and marking Nov. 25 through Dec. 10 as Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women days in the city.
As part of the community’s support, City Hall is hosting the symbolic “Orange Lady” throughout the 16 Days of Activism. The statue, an emblem of the movement to end gender-based violence, can be viewed by the public on the first floor of City Hall. Residents are encouraged to visit, learn, and reflect on the importance of collective action to protect women and girls.
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations across the globe. Systemic abuse — whether physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, psychological, or economic — continues to devastate lives, families, and communities.
According to the World Health Organization, one in three women worldwide has been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that 79% of all human trafficking cases involve sexual exploitation, exposing the urgent need for stronger protections, education, and action.
Corradino commended the Zonta Club of Oswego, noting its long-standing commitment to ending these injustices.
“For over a century, Zonta International and its local chapters have worked tirelessly to create a world where women and girls are safe, respected, and empowered,” Corradino said. “The Oswego chapter continues that mission here at home, leading with compassion, advocacy, and education.”
The proclamation highlights Zonta International’s worldwide impact, with more than 26,000 members in 64 countries who work collaboratively to influence laws, shift cultural attitudes, and support programs that combat violence and promote gender equality.
The Zonta Club of Oswego serves as a vital local partner in that effort, engaging the community in awareness campaigns, events, and service initiatives.
During the 16 Days of Activism, the Oswego chapter joins the global Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, urging residents to stand united against gender-based harm. The city of Oswego echoes these calls to action.
“I encourage all residents to prevent gender-based violence by educating our community on its harm,” Corradino stated. “Advocate for survivors, uplift their voices, and act in service on their behalf. Change begins with awareness, and it continues with us.”
For more information on the Zonta Club of Oswego, upcoming initiatives, or how to support the campaign, community members are encouraged to connect with the organization or visit City Hall to view the Orange Lady display.
SUPPORTING ‘16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM NOV. 25 TO DEC. 10’ – The Oswego County Legislature’s Human Services Committee recognizes Nov. 25-Dec. 10 as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a campaign to help raise awareness and end violence against women. Pictured from left are legislators Herbert Yerdon, District 2; Richard Kline, District 12; James Karasek, District 22; Committee Chairman James Scanlon, District 16; Lt. Gov. of Zonta District 2 Iraina Gerchman; Zonta Board Member Nora Convington; Michael Solowy, District 23; Committee Vice Chairman Kevin Hill, District 15; and Frank Bombardo, District 7.
The Oswego County Legislature presented a proclamation to the Zonta Club of Oswego recognizing Nov. 25 through Dec. 10 as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. The global campaign serves to raise awareness, support local prevention efforts, and create community partnerships to help make a safer and more equitable world for all.
“The members of Zonta Club of Oswego exemplify leadership and compassion through their ongoing volunteerism, educational outreach and advocacy on behalf of women and girls across the region,” said Oswego County Legislator James Scanlon, District 16, chairman of the Legislature’s Human Services Committee. “We commend them for the important work they do and are proud to partner with them to recognize the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.”
The Zonta Club of Oswego participates in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence as part of its “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign. During this time, and throughout the entire year, members take advocacy actions to promote the human rights of women, end violence against women and girls, and more.
“Zonta International works globally to end intimate partner violence, and this is a campaign we run every year,” said Lt. Gov. of Zonta District 2 Iraina Gerchman. “From Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, we invite residents to wear orange, as this vibrant color is used to show solidarity against violence toward women. ‘Orange the World’ in our community and make it part of your conversations.”
Both the start and end dates of the 16 Days of Activism recognize other relevant campaigns. Nov. 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, while Dec. 10 is Human Rights Day.
This year, as part of the 16 Days of Activism, Zonta Club of Oswego is expanding its efforts with several community-focused events. Individuals and local businesses are invited to participate in “Lighting Up Oswego Orange,” a campaign encouraging the use of orange outdoor lights to show solidarity in raising awareness of gender-based violence. Throughout the community, residents will also notice Zonta’s “orange ladies,” who will provide additional information about the initiative.
In partnership with Oswego County Opportunities’ (OCO) Services to Aid Families, Zonta will host a book club discussion on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Participants will gather at 7 p.m. at the river’s end bookstore, 19 W. Bridge St., Oswego, to review “She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement,” by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey.
In addition to advocacy, the Zonta Club of Oswego focuses on advancing the status of women, most notably through education. The club supports a number of causes, including “Safe Shelter” for survivors of domestic violence; scholarships for graduating seniors, non-traditional students and young women in public affairs; and “Maker Madness,” a collaboration with SUNY Oswego and Novelis to foster the love of STEAM in young women.
Verdello is among 12 downtown businesses with small, 3D printed ladies on display for Zonta says NO to Violence Against Women Days. Sheridan Mayor Rich Bridger signed a proclamation earlier this week, declaring Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 as the 16 Days of Activism and as Zonta says NO to Violence Against Women Days.
Starting Tuesday, Zonta Club of Wyoming Bighorns will join the international organization’s more than 1,100 clubs for a campaign to raise awareness of violence against women.
Zonta International was first founded as an organization more than a century ago, aiming to improve living conditions for women and girls. Now, it has more than 1,100 clubs in 64 countries.
Zonta began participating in an international campaign, 16 Days of Activism, with its own version, Zonta says NO to Violence Against Women Days, in 2012. Local Zonta Service Projects Chair Yvonne Gatley said this is the second year the local club is participating in the campaign.
“The whole idea is to spread the awareness, the communication, of the predominance of violence against women throughout the world,” Gatley said.
Gatley said Sheridan is no exception from that predominance, adding the local group works to connect survivors to resources in the community, like the Advocacy and Resource Center. From Sept. 1, 2024, through September this year, Advocacy and Resource Center Executive Director Yvonne Swanson said the center assisted 456 people in Sheridan, 357 of whom were female.
The local Zonta club has worked to grow its own campaign. Last year, members wrapped a tree in orange ribbons — which Gatley said signals support and resilience — ran a public service announcement on radio stations and placed ads in the Country Bounty, a weekly shopper each Sheridanite receives in their mailbox. This year, it has kept each of those and is adding social media posts for each day of the campaign, delivering coasters to bars and putting 12 small, orange, 3D printed ladies with information cards in downtown businesses.
Among those businesses is Verdello. Owner Jenny Boedecker said she still needs to find the perfect location for the 3D printed orange lady.
“(It is) obviously a great cause that we all should be behind and supporting,” Boedecker said. “We all have a mother, a sister, a daughter, somebody in our life that’s a female and probably more likely than not known someone that’s been affected by abuse at some point.”
Sheridan Mayor Rich Bridger signed a proclamation earlier this week, declaring Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 as the 16 Days of Activism and as Zonta says NO to Violence Against Women Days.
Sheridanites who may want to get involved in the campaign or with Zonta should email zontawyomingbighorns@gmail.com or see the organization’s Facebook page. Gatley said the organization is largely aimed toward women, but men are also encouraged to participate.
Join us in saying NO 