The Zonta Club of Lebanon, Indiana, USA, was granted permission by the Boone County Commissioners to arrange a display on the southwest corner of the Boone County Courthouse lawn to raise awareness of violence againstwomen during 16 Days of Activism.

Read more at www.reporter.net

Zonta Club of Fort Smith and Golden Z Club UAFS, AZ, USA, created a Zonta says NO to Violence Against Women display for the 16 Days of Activism.  The display with the club’s SAY NO banner, 16 Days of Activism sign and orange flags will be on display on the campus of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith from 18 November through 10 December.  Pictured is Vi Tran, president of the Golden Z Club UAFS.

The Istanbul Convention is the first legally binding instrument in the world creating a comprehensive framework to prevent violence, protect victims, prosecute perpetrators and implement statewide “integrated policies” that are effective in preventing and combating all forms of violence against women. For more information and resources, check out our Advocacy Tools.

The Zonta Club of Vantaa II, Finland, recently asked for donations outside a local shopping mall as part of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

Though the club members faced adversity with passers-by ignoring them, they had many interesting encounters.

A young group of girls who are Somali refugees stopped to tell the group they had recently been discussing domestic violence, and there were many women domestic violence survivors who congratulated them on the valuable work they were doing.

Club President Sirkka Rautioaho said, “The most poignant of these tales was that of a former politician,” who was moved by what the club was doing, donated money and even bought them cups of coffee.

Rautioaho said the experience made her and her club members feel good, and gave them faith in pursuing Zonta’s mission.

Zonta Club of Rockhampton Inc., Australia, President Judie Pettitt launched their 16 Days of Activism campaign on 25 November at the Queensland Police Service White Ribbon Dinner in Rockhampton. Magistrate Colin Strofield gave an informative update about progress with Queensland’s first dedicated domestic Violence Court at Southport. Funds were also raised for Central Queensland Domestic Violence Services.

The Zonta Club of Oswego, New York, USA, has created  a display that will be traveling around the county that is intended to raise awareness about the issue of violence against women. The club is also urging community members to donate items to programs that serve survivors of abuse.

Read more at www.oswegocountytoday.com

The Zonta Club of Brainerd partnered with the Central Lakes College’s Diversity Club to hand out information resources about sexual assault and inform students of the school’s policy on harassment.

Read more on brainerddispatch.com.

The Zonta Club of Parker County displayed Zonta Says NO banners in front of their local courthouse and in front of the city annex. Weatherford Mayor Craig Swancy recently presented the club with a proclamation declaring Nov. 22 as Zonta of Parker County Day.

Read more on weatherforddemocrat.com

The Zonta Club of Brisbane River Inc has been posting “orange ladies” outside businesses along a busy shopping strip in Brisbane to publicize the 16 Days of Activism and the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaigns.

The Zonta Club of Lohja, Finland, turned an old firehouse tower orange once again this year to participate in the fight against the violence against women and girls.

Hundreds on people were at the site on Friday, 26 November, when the lights were lit. The tower is located next to the city market place. The first day of the campaign was also the time of opening ceremonies of the Christmas season in Lohja.

The lighting of the old firehouse tower has become a tradition in Lohja as it was done last year and will continue next year in partnership with local light artist Jari Jalonen.