As Day 2 of its 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Annapolis, USA, text messaged U.S. President Joe Biden to use his power to direct publication of the ERA:

Dear President Biden

Please use your power to direct publication of the ERA now before January. Thank you.

High above Schaffhausen, the Munot fortress lit up in orange on 25 and 26 November 25 to symbolize ending violence against women. The Zonta Club of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is participating in two events in the varied program that will be held during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence: A city tour on the topic “Ways out of violence” and a movie matinee.

The city tour takes interested participants to institutions that end violence and help victims: Police, public prosecutor’s office, court and child and adult protection authorities. The experts discuss their work at each location and show how women can be helped.

Two films dealing with different types of violence will be shown at the film event. One is about violence in romantic relationships, and the other is about structural violence in dealing with illegitimate children in Switzerland between the 1960s and 1980s.

The Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte, Philippines, spearheaded a city-wide walk to end violence against women and children with the local government. Ten non-government women’s organizations and the women employees of the local government, with the city vice mayor, joined the club on 25 November to kick off the 16 Days of Activism.  

The walk started at the Centennial Arena and ended at Aurora Park with a morning Zumba. Then, the club passed out awards for “Best Slogans/Poster” on violence against women and girls. Everyone wore orange shirts for unity, walking to spread awareness of the campaign to stop gender-based violence.

Day 1: ENVISIONING

The club spent three days distributing Zonta Says NO tarpaulins to all the Local Government Units (LGUs) to prepare the whole province of Ilocos Norte in a united campaign for the 16 days of Activism.

The club also distributed the tarpaulins to 21 towns and two cities, the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol and the Zonta Building in Laoag City, including hotline numbers of local police and social welfare offices.  

Zontian Mary Ang sponsored the printing of the tarps while the members were grouped into three teams that were deployed to the southern, northern, and eastern towns of Ilocos Norte for distribution.

Mayors, their staff and Police Personnel gladly accepted these tarpaulins.

DAY 2 – KNOWLEDGE

On Day 2, the club spread knowledge and data on gender-based violence in their community. Data gathered from the Philippine National Police Provincial Office of Ilocos Norte shows that the crime statistics for Violence Against Women (VAW) in Ilocos Norte for 2024 dwindled to less than half as compared to the numbers in 2023.

As a staunch advocate of anti-violence against women and girls, the club has continuously visited all 21 municipalities and two cities of Ilocos Norte, promoting gender equality and challenging attitudes that normalize violence and abuse. They do this by raising public and political awareness of the causes of VAWC and encouraging action on prevention.

The club’s advocacy and campaign work focuses on mainstreaming gender equality, specifically with pupils and students and in the media. They also work directly with key sectors, other women’s organizations and local government units to develop women’s skills, capacity and understanding regarding the prevention of VAWC.

The club firmly believes that they have played a significant role in reducing the incidence of VAWC through its information dissemination campaigns and support for women in conflict situations. However, the club recognizes that its work is not finished. They will continue striving for a better world for women and girls, focusing on advocacy and taking concrete actions.

The Zonta clubs of Sables d’Olonne and La Roche-sur-Yon Now-Forming, France, raised awareness about violence against women as part of the Orange Your City campaign during the 16 Days of Activism. It also served as a platform to launch the city’s Ici, demandez Angela initiative, designed to create safe spaces where individuals can discreetly seek help if they feel unsafe or harassed.  

Key figures such as the Prefect of the Vendée and representatives from the Town Hall were also present, showing their continued support for Zonta International’s mission and, of course, the presence of many residents of La Roche-sur-Yon.

The Ici, demandez Angela initiative is a public safety campaign launched in La Roche-sur-Yon. It involves training staff in participating establishments, such as bars, shops, and restaurants, to assist anyone who feels unsafe. By asking for “Angela,” individuals can discreetly seek help, with the staff providing a safe space or contacting authorities if necessary. Establishments display a sticker to indicate their involvement in the program.  

The event successfully brought attention to the issue of violence against women and reinforced the city’s commitment to safety and equality. The initiative inspired discussions about practical solutions to harassment, potentially serving as a model for other cities in the district. It also strengthened the collaboration between Zonta clubs and local authorities, demonstrating the power of partnership in creating meaningful change.

In the wake of Typhoon Nika and Typhoon Pepito, which devastated the municipality of Jones, Isabela, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, conducted a heartfelt outreach initiative to support the affected communities. Guided by the outreach theme, the club demonstrated its unwavering commitment to service and advocacy, addressing immediate needs while raising awareness about critical societal issues.

The outreach event provided galvanized iron sheets to families severely affected by the typhoons. The donation aimed to help rebuild homes and restore displaced families’ sense of security. This gesture highlighted the club’s dedication to responding to immediate needs and facilitating long-term recovery efforts.

By combining relief efforts with advocacy, the club empowered residents to rebuild their lives and work toward a safer, more equitable society. Through these efforts, Zonta continues to stand as a beacon of hope, resilience, and action in the fight against inequality and disaster-induced hardship.

DAY 4: A DAY OF LISTENING

In a powerful demonstration of advocacy and education, the club held impactful events at Roxas Stand Alone SHS and Isabela State University – Jones Campus. These activities, centered on the theme of listening, underscored the importance of raising awareness about gender-based violence and fostering safe spaces for all.

At Roxas Stand Alone SHS, Zontian Carol Donato delivered an insightful lecture on the growing prevalence of online violence against women and children. She highlighted the various forms of cyber abuse, including cyberbullying, harassment, and exploitation, and shared practical steps to combat these threats. The lecture emphasized the need for digital literacy, legal awareness, and the active participation of both individuals and institutions in creating safer online spaces.

Meanwhile, at Isabela State University – Jones Campus, Zontian Cherie Marie V. Laddaran led an enlightening discussion on the Safe Spaces Act and Anti-Sexual Harassment Law. Her lecture focused on empowering attendees with knowledge about their rights and the mechanisms available to address harassment in various settings. The symposium also served as a call to action to uphold inclusivity and mutual respect in public and private spaces.

As part of the global 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Says NO campaign invites everyone to take a stand against gender-based violence. By educating ourselves, sharing stories, and creating inclusive spaces, the club and its community can collectively work toward a world free from violence.

“DAY 5: A DAY OF LISTENING & ALLYSHIP (

As part of its commitment to amplifying voices and fostering awareness of gender-based violence, the club, in partnership with 104.9 XFM Santiago, hosted Boses ng Zonta Isabela, a unique program featuring attorney Clarissa Favor. The discussion, in allyship with Katropang Christopher Estolas and attorney Armando Velasco, focused on the amended Anti-Rape Law, which aligns with the theme of listening and allyship. This initiative formed part of the club’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, highlighting the importance of education, dialogue, and survivor-centered advocacy.

The program provided a platform to dissect the critical components of the amended Anti-Rape Law and its implications for protecting women and girls. Clarissa, a distinguished advocate for women’s rights, discussed the following:

• Legal reforms and their impact. Clarissa explained the significant amendments to the Anti-Rape Law, including changes that strengthen the definition of consent, increase penalties for offenders, and extend support mechanisms for survivors.
• Barriers to Justice. The program delved into systemic challenges survivors face, such as social stigma, fear of reprisal, and gaps in legal enforcement, emphasizing the need for collective action to address these issues.
• Empowering Communities. The discussion highlighted how local communities can support survivors, including encouraging them to come forward, providing safe spaces, and ensuring access to legal aid and psychological support.

Boses ng Zonta Isabela emphasized that combating gender-based violence requires a multi-pronged approach. Listeners were encouraged to:

• Stay informed about the Anti-Rape Law and other gender-based violence legislation.
• Support survivors by promoting safe reporting mechanisms and accessible services.
• Join community initiatives advocating for women’s rights and gender equality.

The club continues to demonstrate leadership in addressing gender-based violence through education and advocacy. The partnership with XFM Radio and Clarissa’s insights reflect the club’s dedication to empowering communities and creating a culture of accountability and respect.

The program’s success reminds us that listening is not passive—it is an active commitment to understanding, elevating voices, and driving change. Together, we can transform conversations into actions that protect and uplift women and girls everywhere.

DAY 6: A DAY OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH

On a recent day of compassion and camaraderie, the prospective Golden Z Club members from the AB Political Science department of Northeastern College joined hands with the club to participate in a meaningful gift-giving outreach activity. Together with the beneficiaries from Balay Namnama and the Women’s Shelters in Santiago City, this event embodied the spirit of charity and the power of student engagement, aligning with the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

The event brought together the prospective members of the Golden Z Club as part of their ongoing commitment to community service and social advocacy. The students prepared and donated various items for the women and children in the shelters, including pre-loved books, clothes, handcrafted bracelets, and fresh pandesal. This thoughtful contribution was not just about material goods but about empowering women and creating a space for hope and healing.

By preparing and donating these items, the Golden Z Club members demonstrated their understanding of the impact they can have as student leaders. Their actions reflect the importance of partnership between student groups like the Z Club and Golden Z Club, Girl Scouts, Girl Guides, and other youth organizations in contributing to social causes.

Donating pre-loved books, clothes, and baked goods allowed students to engage directly with an issue that affects many women and children—empowerment through support, kindness, and resources. The pre-loved books aimed to bring comfort and learning, offering the shelter’s women and children an opportunity to escape into stories and expand their horizons. The clothes were gathered to provide essential wardrobe items for those in need, especially as the colder months approach. The handcrafted bracelets served as symbolic gifts of friendship and encouragement, a tangible reminder that someone cares. And of course, the freshly baked pandesal, a beloved Filipino treat, was included to brighten the day with its warmth and sweetness, perfect for sharing during meals or as a small but heartfelt gesture.

This outreach activity also ties into the larger mission of the club and student club to address and to end violence against women and girls. The Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign serves as a global call to action, urging young people, particularly students, to actively participate in ending gender-based violence.

Through student engagement activities, the members of the Golden Z Club are taking an active role in this advocacy. The collaborative efforts of the club and the Golden Z Club members highlight the power of student-led initiatives in raising awareness about issues such as domestic violence and the challenges that women and girls face every day.

In addition to providing tangible aid, the event sparked conversations about how students can further advocate for women’s rights and work together to address cyberviolence, a growing concern in today’s digital age. The Golden Z Club’s participation in this outreach event can be seen as part of a larger initiative, where students become part of the solution by raising awareness and creating safe, inclusive online and offline environments.

For the prospective Golden Z Club members of Northeastern College, this outreach experience went beyond a simple community service activity. It was an opportunity to practice leadership, engage with real-world social issues, and demonstrate their commitment to making a difference.