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.

On 25 November, members of the Zonta Club of Luxembourg, District 27, met with the Dutch Embassy in Luxembourg, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Den Hague, which strongly supports the “16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence” campaign. The embassy took the initiative to “orange” the building and invited the press, politicians, gender-related associations to join the launch. Ambassador Peter W. Kok also met with Zontians.

On this occasion, the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign was also highlighted and Zontians were thanked for the initiative.

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The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is the most comprehensive international agreement on the basic human rights of women. It addresses women’s rights to equality in education, health care, employment, economics, law, property, family relations, marriage and political participation. Research and become involved in the workings of the Convention as it pertains to your country. Learn more: http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/