Emotional abuse training program and panel discussion

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The Zonta Club II of Colombo, Sri Lanka, convened a landmark program titled “Let’s Talk: Emotional Abuse and Women” to address one of the country’s most widespread yet least discussed forms of violence against women. Emotional abuse, often invisible, erodes dignity, confidence and well-being, making early recognition and response critical.

The initiative brought together professionals who frequently serve as first points of contact for women experiencing abuse, including corporate and bank HR counselors, university and school counselors, motivational speakers, law enforcement officers and members of the clergy. The first segment focused on training these front-line responders to identify, respond to and support women affected by emotional abuse. Family lawyer Shaharana Mowlana led the session, offering practical insights into how emotional abuse manifests in homes, schools and workplaces, and its profound impact on women’s lives.

The program also featured a panel discussion examining emotional and psychological violence from legal, psychological, media and lived-experience perspectives. Moderated by Rasini Bandara, the panel included a leading lawyer, a clinical psychologist, a senior manager for wellness, diversity and inclusion, and a survivor with public visibility. The discussion highlighted gaps in legal protection, mental health support and ethical media practices, while emphasizing trauma-sensitive approaches and collective responsibility in preventing emotional violence.

Beyond education and dialogue, the initiative significantly amplified Zonta’s visibility. Recorded program content reached 17,790 views on Facebook and 42,900 on Instagram. The campaign also received coverage in Lankawoman (online and print) and was featured in national publications, including Daily News and Sunday Ceylon Today, extending the conversation to a broader audience.

Zonta Club of Basel highlights violence against disabled women through inclusive advocacy

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During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Basel, Switzerland, launched impactful initiatives addressing violence against women with disabilities, aligning with Switzerland’s 2025 theme.

A WenDo self-defense course was offered to 16 women and girls with cognitive and physical disabilities, providing practical skills in self-protection and confidence-building. Participants reported feeling more self-assured and secure, with many noting that the experience was both empowering and enjoyable.

The club also organized an inclusive art exhibition titled “Designed with Inclusion, Painted with Emotion,” showcasing artworks created by women with disabilities. Displayed in public spaces throughout the city, the paintings emerged from a workshop where participants expressed experiences of violence, imposed limitations and resilience. One participant shared that, for the first time, she felt truly heard.

To further raise awareness, the club hosted a street event highlighting the everyday challenges faced by people with disabilities and distributed 5,000 informational flyers titled “The Spiral of Violence.” The materials, which included emergency contact numbers, were placed in libraries, hospitals, doctors’ offices, cafés and restaurants to reach women in need.

In support of the global Orange the World campaign, the Basel Theater pyramids were illuminated in orange, creating a powerful visual statement of solidarity. The campaign was amplified through daily posts on Instagram and LinkedIn, generating strong engagement and encouraging public dialogue on inclusion, safety and violence prevention.

Zonta Club of Kankakee holds book club discussion

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Members of the Zonta Club of Kankakee, USA, held a public book club discussion of “A Good Wife: Escaping the Life I Never Chose” by Dr. Samra Zafar. Hosted at a local woman-owned bookstore, the event created a welcoming space for meaningful dialogue on child marriage, culture, domestic violence, hope and resilience.

The club left copies of the book at the bookstore to be raffled and will also raffle additional copies to club members.

Zonta Club of New Rochelle participates in Zonta Says NO Virtual Summit

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The Zonta Club of New Rochelle, USA, members participated in and promoted the Zonta Say NO Virtual Summit held on 10 December. The club used the Summit as a vehicle to advance conversations on gender equity and male allyship. Club members widely shared information about the Summit across their personal and professional networks, inviting friends, neighbors and colleagues to attend and engage with one or more sessions.

Zonta Club of Albury–Wodonga Inc spreads high-impact advocacy

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Despite being a small club of just 12 members, the Zonta Club of Albury–Wodonga Inc., Australia, made a significant impact during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Over the campaign period, members participated in events on 10 of the 16 days, while their orange displays and advocacy symbols remained visible throughout the entire observance.

The campaign began with large-scale “orange bombing,” with members decorating four large trees in Albury and 20 smaller trees across the Murray River in Wodonga, creating striking symbols of solidarity. Throughout the 16 days, “orange ladies” appeared across business districts and community events, reinforcing the campaign’s visibility. The club also successfully requested that the Wodonga Council illuminate the Water Tower on the main street in orange for the first five days of the campaign.

Members engaged in education and collaboration, including participation in a webinar on coercive control hosted by the Zonta e-Club NSW/ACT and led by investigative journalist Jess Hill. The club partnered with Wodonga TAFE to host a Walk and Talk and marketplace event attended by approximately 100 people, and supported a community vigil honoring the 68 women and 24 children killed by known perpetrators, marked by the placement of a native flower beneath local flagpoles.

Additional advocacy efforts included attending a talk by tennis player Jelena Dokic on surviving abuse, partnering with local Rotary clubs to organize a Walk Against Digital Violence in Albury, and joining a rural walk in Yackandandah with schoolchildren, community groups and even ponies. Members also supported a neighborhood center-hosted luncheon featuring a Zonta-led barbecue, a merchandise stall and mentoring for a local event management student.

On the final day, members dismantled the tree displays and gathered for a celebratory shared meal, reflecting on their collective efforts and the meaningful impact achieved through collaboration, visibility and community engagement.

Zonta Says NO to trafficking of women and girls

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The Zonta Club of Glens Falls, USA, purchased two billboards in their community to raise awareness and action against trafficking of women and girls locally and regionally.

Zonta Club of Isabela: Beyond the 16 Days

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On 12 December, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, extended its 16 Days of Activism efforts by conducting multiple simultaneous advocacy programs across the province, underscoring its commitment to ending gender-based violence and combating online exploitation.

In San Manuel, Isabela, the club held a focused youth session at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Institute (OLPI), gathering about 150 high school students and teachers for a lecture on digital safety. Club Vice President Judge Ramorelia Lodriguito-Caranay delivered an intensive discussion on the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Material Law (RA 11930). Her presentation equipped students and educators with essential knowledge of their rights and the legal protections available against online predators. The club expressed gratitude to OLPI’s faculty and students for their active participation in this extended #ZontaSaysNO campaign effort.

At the same time, in Roxas, Isabela, the club launched a major symposium in partnership with the LGU of Roxas and with the support of Board Member Dok Totep Calderon. Held at Lado Del Rio, the event brought together nearly 100 school heads, administrators, guidance counselors and student leaders for a combined legal and mental health forum.

Board Member Calderon opened the program by emphasizing the importance of placing critical discussions on women’s safety and children’s protection directly within the community. The symposium featured key presentations addressing both digital and psychological impacts of violence. Dr. Shehee Binag-Director discussed cyberbullying and mental wellness, while Atty. Maria Teresa Alberto and Atty. Carol I. Donato covered RA 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act) and RA 11930 (Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Act), respectively. A highly engaged question-and-answer session demonstrated the strong demand for legal clarity and digital safety education.

Judge Precious Lovely Olivia A. Sales-Jao, club charter president, closed the symposium by calling on participants to transform their learning into action and strengthen institutional safeguards for women and children. She reaffirmed the Zonta club of Isabela’s mission to build a better world for women and girls by ensuring every community in Isabela is informed, protected and empowered.

Zonta Club of Matsumoto says NO to violence against women

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For the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Matsumoto, Japan, tied orange ribbons to the trees in the square outside Matsumoto Station’s castle entrance, distributed pocket tissues to passersby to explain Zonta’s cause, and gave speeches in public using a loudspeaker.

The club also illuminated the national treasure, Matsumoto Castle, in orange to raise awareness among visitors.

This story was translated into English using Google Translate.

Zonta Club of Pampanga advances community awareness through VAWC talk and radio advocacy

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On 7 December, the Zonta Club of Pampanga, Philippines, successfully conducted a meaningful Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Awareness Talk at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church, under the gracious leadership of the Parish Priest, Rev. Father Emmanuel “Manny” Contreras. The activity was organized in line with the 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women, reflecting the club’s steadfast commitment to empowering women, protecting children, and bringing up a safe and informed community. The event formally opened with a VAWC awareness lecture delivered by the invited resource speaker, Atty. Aura Eunice Santos, who provided comprehensive and insightful discussions on the legal framework of VAWC, the rights of women and children, and the available remedies and support systems for victims. Her clear, relatable, and empowering presentation greatly enhanced the participants’ understanding and awareness of the issue.

Following the lecture, a highly engaging and dynamic question-and-answer portion ensued, marked by active audience participation. Numerous attendees confidently raised questions and sought practical advice, demonstrating their genuine interest and concern for the topic. Notably, two gentlemen from the audience also participated, emphasizing that advocacy against violence is a shared responsibility of all genders. Rev. Father Emmanuel “Manny” Contreras himself joined the discussion, further enriching the exchange with thoughtful insights and light-hearted remarks that created an atmosphere of openness, learning, and even moments of laughter. The lively interaction underscored the success of the activity in breaking barriers and encouraging honest dialogue within the community.

The project benefited 55 parents and mothers from the local community, equipping them with vital knowledge and awareness on VAWC. The activity was attended by three Zontian members, Gina Millan, President of the Zonta Club of Pampanga; VP Leonor R. Bais; and Past President Gilda Padua, along with five non-Zontian participants. Their presence highlighted the collective spirit of collaboration and advocacy that made the project a resounding success. Overall, the activity not only fulfilled its objectives but also strengthened community engagement, awareness, and commitment to ending violence against women and children.

The club expanded its advocacy further on 6 December through a radio program aired on 91.9 Bright FM in San Fernando City. The broadcast featured Atty. Karen Guevarra and Pampanga Club President Gina Rosario Millan, who discussed violence against women, preventive strategies and community support mechanisms. They also highlighted recent Zonta initiatives and ongoing projects aimed at advancing women’s empowerment in Pampanga.

Hosted by Ma’am Vee and Ma’am Jo, the radio segment broadened the club’s reach and ensured key messages on women’s rights and protection were communicated to a wider audience. This engagement strengthened the impact of the campaign by harnessing mass media to amplify public awareness and encourage community action.

Art against violence

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As part of the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women and Girls” campaign, the Zonta Club of Irenopolis–Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, organized a moving musical and poetic performance on 3 December 2025 to honor the strength, resilience and beauty of women. The event aimed to show how women’s tenderness, creativity and inner power can counterbalance violence and aggression, fostering a more peaceful and compassionate society.

The large-scale initiative transformed the city of Stara Zagora into an orange beacon of solidarity and public engagement. Onstage at the Regional Library, club members read poems celebrating women, while children, artists and young musicians filled the hall with music, light and hope.

Through this artistic program, the Zonta Club delivered a clear and heartfelt message: a world free from violence is possible when empathy, dignity and unity guide collective action.