In celebration of Women’s Month, the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Philippines, held a powerful forum on 26 March at Don Bosco Technological, Vocational, and Educational Training (TVET) Center in Tondo, Manila, focusing on the urgent issue of Violence Against Women.

The event gathered approximately 700 students and began with a thought-provoking documentary on gender-based violence, followed by a dynamic town hall discussion led by Dr. Sylvia Claudio, Ph.D., an expert in Psychology and Women’s Studies, and Attorney Ina Magpale, a prominent lawyer and host of Wanted sa Radyo. The two speakers offered deep insights into the psychological, legal, and social aspects of violence against women.

The interactive format encouraged open dialogue, with students actively engaging, asking questions, and sharing their perspectives and experiences. The event fostered an inclusive environment that empowered attendees to take part in the conversation and be part of the solution.

The afternoon concluded with a communal meal provided by McDonald’s, bringing students and staff together in a moment of reflection and solidarity.

Through initiatives like this, the club continues to raise awareness, promote gender equality and inspire youth to take action against violence and inequality in their communities.

In celebration of Orange Week, the Z Club of Langub National High School, in collaboration with its sponsor, the Zonta Club of Davao City II, Philippines, took a stand against gender-based violence, domestic violence and child marriage.

Students wore orange t-shirts emblazoned with “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women”, carrying posters that called for an end to gender-based violence and a safer future for women and girls.

Z Club Adviser Miss Jaremiah announced plans for an upcoming symposium on early marriage, different forms of violence, and cyberbullying, aiming to educate students, raise awareness and empower action. The initiative will include a collaboration between Zonta members, women in uniform and the local community, fostering efforts toward a violence-free society.

The Zonta Club of Davao City II, Philippines, energized the community with a Zumba event, joining the NCCC VP Zumba community to promote the Zonta Says NO to Violence campaign during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Participants dressed in orange, symbolizing solidarity in the fight against violence against women and girls.

Beyond the high-energy dance session, Zontian Ruth Castillones, a police officer, led a discussion on the different forms and nature of violence, empowering participants with the knowledge to advocate for women’s rights and prevention strategies.

Adding to the celebration, attendees received goodies from Oishi O Wow, along with Zonta bags, Weshee goodie bags, calendars and t-shirts. Special prizes were awarded for best attire and dance moves, making the event both informative and engaging.

Zonta District 17 Area 1 launched its participation in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a UN-backed campaign raising awareness of women’s rights violations and gender inequality. The global movement drives impactful advocacy to end violence against women.

On 24 November, the district kicked off its campaign with the Zonta Says NO Women’s Walk at 7 a.m., with participants starting from two locations—Ugong Norte Barangay Hall on Temple Drive and Gate 4, Camp Aguinaldo—before converging at the People Power Monument along EDSA.

Adding to the momentum, OLGC Golden Z Club, sponsored by Zonta Club of Mandaluyong-San Juan I, Philippines, ignited the Zonta Spirit with their powerful “Zonta Chant,” condemning gender-based violence, sexual abuse, rape, harassment, child marriage, teenage pregnancy and human trafficking.

With 16 participating clubs, Zonta District 17 Area 1 successfully demonstrated its commitment to advocacy and action, reinforcing Zonta’s global mission to eliminate violence against women and promote gender equality.

The Zonta Club of Amherst Area, Canada, marked the beginning of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign with a flag-raising ceremony on 25 November in Amherst, Nova Scotia. The event was attended by the mayor, town councilors, members of the club and the Member of the Provincial Legislature, reinforcing the club’s ongoing advocacy efforts.

During the ceremony, the mayor of Amherst read a proclamation prepared by the club, officially recognizing the campaign. Club President Lisa Emery addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs from 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, International Human Rights Day.

In addition to the flag-raising, the club set up an informational display on the town’s main street, showcasing Zonta’s mission to empower women and girls both locally and globally. The club also recognized Canada’s National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on 6 December, honoring the women who lost their lives in the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre in Quebec.

Lisa emphasized that violence against women and girls remains a global crisis, particularly in regions experiencing conflict such as Gaza, Haiti, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Sudan and Ukraine, where women and girls face heightened risks. She also underscored Zonta International’s efforts to end child marriage, citing legislation in Iraq that could lower the legal marriage age to nine for girls and fifteen for boys, a policy the organization continues to advocate against.

Locally, Lisa urged the community to remain vigilant and report any signs of violence, stressing that advocacy begins with action. “If you see something, say something—for the sake of the family,” she stated.

The flag-raising ceremony, an annual tradition, reaffirmed the club’s dedication to raising awareness, influencing policy and supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Through its continued advocacy, the club remains committed to creating a safer, more equitable world for women and girls.

During its November meeting, members and guests of the Zonta Club of Houston, TX, USA, reaffirmed their commitment to ending gender-based violence by taking the Zonta pledge to “Say NO to Violence” as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Through this pledge, participants vowed to:

• Say NO to violence against women and girls in all forms, including physical, psychological, and online abuse.
• Support or host programs addressing gender-based violence.
• Educate themselves by exploring resources on the Zonta Says NO website.
• Speak up about what they learned during the 16 Days and continue raising awareness through social media, family, and community conversations.
• Engage men and boys in taking the pledge and becoming active allies in preventing violence.

The club members wore orange and displayed anti-violence posters as part of the commemoration of the 16 Days.