Zonta Club of Châtillon-sur-Seine et Région says NO to violence against women

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On 22 November, the Zonta Club of Châtillon-sur-Seine et Région, France, adorned key landmarks in the town orange. A banner and orange fabric were also wrapped around the central fountain, and Zonta signs were placed at the city’s entrances. The statues in the garden of the tourist office and the Marianne statue in the Mayor’s office were both fitted with orange scarves. One of the city gates was also illuminated in orange, while a visual message was displayed prominently on the town’s light panel throughout the campaign.

These actions were carried out in the presence of the Mayor of Châtillon, several personalities and club members, creating a strong community statement.

This initiative aims to raise awareness about gender-based violence, encouraging people to recognize the issue, learn about the progress being made, and feel empowered to speak out.

*This story was translated into English by Google Translate.

Orange the city and distribution of bread bags

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The Zonta Club of Lunéville, France, joined the global fight against gender-based violence with impactful initiatives during the 16 Days of Activism.

Key landmarks in Lunéville, including the town hall and castle, were illuminated in orange while the town hall in nearby Baccarat also glowed orange to raise awareness for the campaign.

In addition to these visual displays, the club distributed 60,000 bread bags which included a violence meter, a tool to measure violence in relationships, in around 50 bakeries across the Lunéville region.

*This story was translated into English by Google Translate.

The women who fought against power

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The author Luciano Salsi, held a presentation of his latest book to the Zonta Club of Bologna Due Torri, Italy. This new release is a contemporary work that draws inspiration from the classical world to address pressing issues of our time. These include the struggle between law and justice, the clash between individual rights and the reason of state and the conflict between the male and female soul. The presentation was organized in collaboration with the Army Club of Bologna.

Fundraising event and charity efforts

During the 16 Days of Activism, the club carried out numerous initiatives, including a charity fishing evening held at the prestigious Palazzo Grassi in Via Marsala 2, in the heart of Bologna. The event aimed to raise funds for women in difficulty, with prizes donated by sponsors such as CERVE, Edizioni Paoline and Salotto delle Muse. Additionally, the club presented a video they had created, featuring photos and concrete data for 2024, focusing on the critical issue of violence against women.

The evening concluded with a moving concert by lyric soprano Federica Venturi, accompanied on piano by Maestro Don Stefano Greco. The performance featured arias that tell the stories of women victims of violence:

  • “In questa reggia,” from the opera Turandot by Giacomo Puccini
  • “Voi lo sai, o mamma,” from the opera Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni
  • “Senza Mamma,” from the opera Suor Angelica by Giacomo Puccini

The event’s theme, “Because it’s time for the music to change,” echoed Zonta’s commitment to saying NO to violence against women. The atmosphere was filled with emotion and energy, reinforcing the belief that collective action is vital to building a better world for women and girls.

Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya honors women victim of abuse and violence

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In a heartfelt commemoration, the Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, together with the Z Club of Saint Louis School, Now Forming Z Club of Solano High School and members of the OFW organization of Solano, gathered to honor the lives of women who have tragically lost their lives due to violence and abuse.

This poignant event was held where members of the community came together to remember those who suffered at the hands of violence and to renew their commitment to creating a safer environment for women and girls.

The event to honor the memory of the victims began with a solemn moment of silence, allowing attendees to reflect on the loss of lives caused by violence. Candles symbolizing hope and resilience were lit, also as an expression of solidarity with the survivors of violence.

The blessing of the gravestone was officiated by Fr. Roy D. Quiambao.

The club remains committed to continuing its advocacy for women’s rights by creating programs that raise awareness about violence against women. It is hoped that this annual memorial service will serve as a catalyst for change within the community.

Zonta Fun Bike

The Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, organized a Zonta Fun Bike event that began at Heroes Park and traversed the rural barangays of San Luis, Lactawan, Mapaina, Uddiawan, Bangaan, Wacal, and Quezon. Participants wore T-shirts emblazoned with the message “I SUPPORT THE ZONTA CLUB OF NUEVA VIZCAYA: STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN.”

Atty. Jerome Marcos and Barangay Captain Melchor Marzo served as lead guides for the event, accompanied by groups including baysol, kapedal, bagabag mountain bikers, padyak tulak mountain bikers, rotary club of vizcaya, villaverde mountain bikers, bambang mountain bikers, t6t and other individual bikers.

The Fun Bike event aimed to raise awareness within the community, especially among residents in the rural areas of Solano, about the importance of stopping violence against women.

Throughout the journey, the song “Sandigan ng mga Kababaihan” played, celebrating and honoring women while emphasizing their strength, resilience and invaluable contributions to society.

Zonta District 26 holds orange campaign

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District 26 embraced the Zonta Says NO campaign as a unified advocacy initiative across all its clubs. As part of this effort, members decorated trees with orange ribbons and placed posters at their bases to promote the mission to end violence against women and girls. These visual displays aimed to raise awareness and call for action on this critical issue.

Golden Z club members also actively participated in the campaign, collaborating with host clubs to amplify their advocacy efforts. In addition, some clubs have created “Orange Ladies” figures to symbolize their cause, while others have illuminated local landmarks, such as television towers, in orange to further draw attention to the initiative.

District 26 is striving for a greater impact by combining club-specific activities with coordinated district-wide efforts, showcasing a collective commitment to eradicating violence against women and girls.

District 32 says NO to violence against women

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On 30 November, Zonta District 32 carried out the Zonta Says NO campaign in cities across South Korea, including Seoul, Daegu, Busan, Daejeon and Yeosu. Approximately 140 Zonta members participated, holding pickets against illegal filming, dating violence, workplace sexual harassment, sexual violence and domestic violence.

The members also distributed leaflets to encourage citizens to help create a safe, violence-free society for women. A photo zone was set up to engage the public and raise awareness.

District 32 Governor Hyo-Sook La stated, “It is important to actively participate in support activities against all forms of violence against women,” and emphasized, “Gender equality must be maintained for a sustainable society.”

Walk for solidarity to stop violence

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The Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, in collaboration with the Z Club of Saint Louis College and soon-to-be members of the Now Forming Z Club of Solano High School, organized the “Walk for Solidarity to Stop Violence” in the Poblacion of Solano.

The event served as a powerful demonstration to raise awareness about violence against women, aiming to inspire communities to take actionable steps toward a future free from violence, discrimination and abuse. By engaging local participants, the walk sent a strong message to the community about the urgent need to address and prevent gender-based violence.

Zonta Club of Tartu advocates against violence through scholarship and awareness campaign

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Each year, the Zonta Club of Tartu, Estonia, recognizes a female professional who has made exceptional contributions to addressing intimate partner violence. The scholarship supports self-improvement or further studies for individuals in fields such as investigation, social work, child protection, education, psychology, and law enforcement.

This year’s scholarship was awarded to Annika Antšak, who works tirelessly with children who have experienced violence. Annika plans to use the scholarship to pursue a micro degree in therapeutic arts, equipping her with additional tools to support vulnerable children. The award was presented at the club’s November meeting honoring Annika’s dedication and commitment to making a difference.

Every year during the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign, the club takes to the streets, dressed in orange, walking the symbol of infinity across the bridges of Tartu. Carrying posters with the message “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women,” the walk symbolizes solidarity and raises awareness about the fight to end gender-based violence.

On 30 November six club members and two supporters proudly participated in this year’s walk, which also included a visit to the town square. The walk fosters camaraderie among participants and also serves as a visible reminder to those who may need support that they are not alone.

To further amplify the message, several businesses and public institutions in Tartu illuminated their buildings with orange lights on 25 November, demonstrating their support for the campaign.

“This walk is about being seen and inspiring others to think, act, and be better,” said a club representative. “It’s especially important before the holidays, a time that can be stressful or lonely for many.”

Orange Walk in Verden

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The Zonta Club of Verden, Germany, hosted the Orange Walk, with its powerful message against patriarchal violence, moved through Verden’s pedestrian zone, culminating in a rally at the Lugenstein. Participants carried orange balloons, banners and whistles, emphasizing the urgent need for action.

“It’s not a beautiful day in terms of content,” said Hanna Kay from Verden’s Women’s Consulting, noting that violence against women continues to rise, with one femicide occurring daily in Germany.

Susanne Eicher, club vice president, highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to combating violence against women. “This is the third time we’ve organized the Orange Walk, and I’m glad so many people joined today,” said Eicher, urging participants to remain vigilant and take action when needed.

Ulla Schobert, representing the women’s shelter and advisory offices BISS and Rückhalt, called for stronger societal and political measures to combat intimate partner violence. She emphasized the need for prevention, intervention, protection and support for survivors, alongside holding perpetrators accountable. Schobert also advocated for the adoption of the Violent Assistance Act in the Bundestag, describing its importance for systemic change.

Eva Hibbeler of the Verdi Union addressed the economic and societal consequences of violence, stressing the need for implementing laws against violence and harassment in the workplace.

Karin Kratz of Omas Gegen Rechts called on men to take a stand against violence, emphasizing that women’s rights need to be defended.

Shay from Christopher Street Day Verden urged the community to remain resilient and intolerant of violence. “Silence only helps the perpetrator,” Shay concluded.

*This story was translated into English by Google Translate.

Zonta Club of Parker County advocates for women and girls through awareness and legislative action

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On 9 December, the Zonta Club of Parker County, USA, displayed 138 pairs of shoes at the Parker County Courthouse in Texas, symbolizing female victims of domestic violence in 2023. Club members, including three new members and representatives from Freedom House, collaborated on the impactful visual display, which drew the attention of passersby and courthouse visitors.

The event featured photos with the County Judge, commissioners, and the District Attorney, followed by a presentation about the 16 Days of Activism and Zonta’s local and international initiatives. The County Judge expressed interest in further collaboration and requested a future meeting to discuss Zonta’s projects in detail.

New member Belinda Dickard reflected, “”I felt this was a great event to bring awareness to our community. It prompted the community to inquire about what the shoes represented. The Commissioner’s Court really embraced what Zonta does and how we advocate for Women and Girls around the World.”

Tanya Hodges, Area 1 Director for District 10, emphasized, “Our club was thankful to be recognized by our County Judge and Commissioners on our efforts during our 16 Days of Activism by placing 138 pairs of shoes on our Courthouse steps which represents the number of domestic violence cases filed in Parker County during the 2023 calendar year. We are bringing awareness to our community regarding the Say NO to Violence Against Women and Girls Campaign.”

Freedom House, Zonta’s service partner, praised the collaboration, saying the event was a valuable opportunity to bring attention to the issue and advocate for victims.

In a separate advocacy event, the club’s Advocacy Committee held a virtual meeting with Texas State Senator Phil King’s office to discuss the Ending Childhood Marriage project. Zonta District 10 Governor Shelly Baumgartner joined the discussion with Beth Shields, Senator King’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director.

The conversation focused on updating Texas laws, which currently allow girls as young as 14 to marry with parental consent. Advocacy leaders explained that such consent often arises from coercion, resulting in negative outcomes for the girls involved. By taking this initiative, the club made a meaningful impact by raising awareness with Senator King’s office.