Zonta Club of Dhaka I hosts advocacy session

As part of the 16 Days of Activism, Zonta Club of Dhaka I, Bangladesh, hosted an advocacy session, Women in Education, at Shaj Technical College. Led by Advocacy Chairman Hosneara Idrish and President Helen Akter, the event encouraged female students to share their educational journeys and male students to pledge support for the education of their female family members.

Highlighting education as a tool to combat gender-based violence, the session reinforced Zonta’s mission to foster gender equality. Education has given me the confidence to dream big,” shared one female student, reflecting the session’s empowering impact.

Zonta Club of Karlskrona-Ronneby marks Zonta Says NO with community engagement

On 25 November, the Zonta Club of Karlskrona-Ronneby, Sweden, gathered at the city’s largest shopping mall to raise awareness about the significance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Members distributed informational materials and engaged shoppers in meaningful conversations about the day’s importance.

The club also collected donations in the form of items purchased by supermarket customers, which will be distributed to women with protected identities facing economic difficulties. A lottery was held to raise funds for the club’s ongoing projects, further supporting their mission to empower women and combat violence.

The evening was marked by a strong sense of community and purpose, leaving participants encouraged and inspired to continue advocating for change.

Zonta Club of Cebu I promotes safe spaces

On Day 12 of the campaign, Attorney Noemi Truya Abarientos delivered a compelling talk on the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the Bawal Bastos Law, at One Central Hotel in Cebu City. The event was organized by the Philippine Association for Social Workers Inc. Cebu Chapter in collaboration with the Zonta Club of Cebu I, Philippines, focusing on creating safe and respectful spaces for all.

Attended by social workers and community members, the event sparked meaningful discussions on the law’s implications and its role in combating harassment. By fostering awareness and advocacy, the session highlighted the need for environments where everyone feels safe and respected, reinforcing the commitment to gender equality.

Zonta Club of Kungälv lights up the town orange

In collaboration with the local municipality, the Zonta Club of Kungälv, Sweden, spearheaded initiatives for the 16 Days of Activism, turning the town orange to raise awareness about gender-based violence. Shopping malls and shops featured orange displays, while the town hall was illuminated in orange, symbolizing solidarity with the Zonta Says NO campaign.

Zonta Club of Malden’s Silent Witness event kick off

The Zonta Club of Malden, USA, with the Malden Z club, launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign with a Silent Witness event honoring victims of domestic violence in Massachusetts. During the event, Zonta members read the names of homicide victims from January to September 2024, shedding light on the ongoing crisis.

A commemorative display will remain at Malden City Hall throughout the 16-day campaign, complemented by additional activities, including a billboard promoting the “Zonta Says No” initiative, a postcard campaign advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment and a social media drive to raise awareness and foster allyship.

The club also aims to raise donations during the campaign to support its ongoing project of assembling blessing bags for organizations aiding survivors of domestic violence. These efforts underline Zonta’s commitment to advocating for gender equality and supporting those impacted by violence.

Zonta District 31 says NO to violence against women

On 4 December, Zonta District 31 leaders gathered at Taipei 101 to participate in the global “Orange the World – End Violence Against Women” campaign, part of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism. The event, hosted by District 31’s Area 1 Director Shiow-Hua Chiou and led by District Governor Diana Cheng, took place at Diamond Tony’s Restaurant on the 85th floor.

The initiative aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence, promote gender equality and increase the visibility of Zonta International. Across Taiwan, Zonta clubs are advocating for change through street campaigns, social media activities and community engagements, encouraging public involvement in the fight to end violence.

Participants shared experiences and insights, fostering dialogue to create a safer, more inclusive society. The campaign reinforces the commitment to a world where women live free from fear and violence, aligning with the belief that women’s rights are human rights.

Zonta Club of Dhaka IV advocates for gender equality through community engagement

Empowering Youth at BKSP
On 28 November, the Zonta Club of Dhaka IV, Bangladesh, held an advocacy program at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP), engaging adolescent students and young athletes to promote gender equality and raise awareness about gender-based violence.

Governor District 25, Dr. Zareen Delawar, joined the event, inspiring participants to champion equality in their families and communities. Young athletes expressed their commitment to creating a respectful and violence-free future, aligning with Zonta’s mission to empower future leaders.

Engaging Men to Foster Respect in Families
On 4 December, the club hosted an advocacy session at Gulshan Ladies Community Club, targeting men from the day laborer community. Advocacy Chair Advocate Hasina Rashid led discussions on respecting women and empowering daughters through education.

Participants reflected on family dynamics, with one attendee vowing to promote respect at home. By addressing the root causes of gender inequality, the event aimed to build equitable and respectful communities.

Zonta Club of Isabela advocates for empowerment and sustainability through diverse initiatives

Day 11: Advocating for Democracy and Women’s Rights
In partnership with xFM, Zonta Club of Isabela’s BOSES ng Zonta campaign highlighted the importance of informed voting for the 2025 Midterm Elections. Led by COMELEC Officer Atty. Maria Johanna N. Vallejo, the initiative emphasized addressing societal issues like gender-based violence while fostering a fair and just society through empowered voters.

Day 12: Addressing Violence and Promoting Sustainability
The club collaborated with Mallig Plains National High School to host a symposium on the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009, with keynote speaker Atty. Clarissa Favor shedding light on privacy violations and gender-based violence. The session focused on actionable steps to support survivors and raise awareness.

Later, the club signed an MOA with Solution Permaculture in Tumauini, promoting sustainable practices to combat climate change and reduce inequalities. This partnership aligns with Zonta’s mission to address climate justice and its impact on women and girls.

Zonta Club of Kauai’s proclamation on the 16 Days of Activism

On 25 November, Zonta Club of Kauai, USA, members joined County Mayor Derek Kawakami at the Kauai County Rotunda to launch the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.

The campaign featured impactful initiatives, including the orange lighting of the Historic County Building, encouragement for businesses to display orange lights, social media outreach and sign waving. Media coverage amplified the message through radio interviews, newspaper articles and local video segments, while word of mouth further spread awareness.

The club’s efforts emphasize the importance of community collaboration in advocating for a world free from gender-based violence.

Zonta Club of Tuguegarao renews pledge to end gender-based violence

On the second day of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, Philippines, reaffirmed its commitment to ending gender-based violence by sharing the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women pledge on its Facebook page.

This pledge reflects the club’s vision of a world where women and girls are treated with dignity, respect and equality. By amplifying the message online, the club aims to raise awareness and inspire collective action toward a violence-free future.