On 29 November, the Z Club of Visuttharangsi School, Thailand, held a full-day Stop Violence Campaign at the Visuttharangsi School to educate and create awareness amongst students.
Zonta Club of Salo partners with local libraries to provide gender-based violence material and literature to readers
The Zonta Club of Salo, Finland, partnered with local libraries in a collaborative campaign to end violence against women. In all ten libraries in the area – Salo main library, Halikko, Kiikala, Kisko, Kuusjoki, Muurla, Perniö, Pertteli, Suomusjärvi and Särkisalo – the staff provided a table or shelf decorated with orange. A visitor will find Zonta Says NO campaign material and literature related to the theme compiled by library staff.
HKU Golden Z Club launches Z2Z Mentorship Program
The HKU Golden Z Club, Hong Kong, has successfully launched the Z2Z Mentorship Program, matching 26 members with 15 mentors from the Zonta Club of Hong Kong.
During the launch event, mentors and mentees bonded over their shared passion for making a difference through successful careers and discussed the importance of gender equity in the workplace. Mentees strongly supported the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, and all participants held up ZSN orange fans, forming an X sign to symbolize “NO.”
Mentors emphasized to mentees the incredible achievements women can accomplish and the support available during challenging times. Inspired by their mentors, the mentees expressed a desire to give back to younger girls as they continue to grow and flourish.
Zonta Club of Noosa Inc hosts annual walk against domestic violence
The Zonta Club of Noosa Inc, Australia, held its annual Walk Against Domestic and Family Violence on 1 December, as part of its 16 Days of Activism campaign. The event brought together Zonta members, community supporters and local dignitaries to raise awareness about domestic and family violence.
Senior Constable Mark Jones, the Domestic Violence Liaison Officer at Noosa Heads Police Station, provided an update on the local situation, revealing that an alarming 76% of police call-outs in the area are related to domestic and family violence.
Mayor Frank Wilkie and Councillors Karen Finzel and Nicola Wilson attended to show their support, alongside Zonta District Governor Petra Ludwig and Jenny Spence from the Zonta Club of Maroochy.
Zonta Club of Hong Kong launches program to combat intergenerational violence
The Zonta Club of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, partnered with women at the TWGHs Cease Crisis Centre to advance the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women advocacy campaign, launching the A2A Awareness to Action Program on 30 November.
The initiative focuses on supporting victims of violence staying at the Cease Crisis Centre, helping them rebuild confidence and reintegrate into society. The program also seeks to raise public awareness to prevent intergenerational violence and intimate partner abuse.
As part of the campaign, participants created a symbolic circle painting emphasizing the importance of communication, cooperation and creative solutions for fostering healthy family relationships. The artwork now hangs at the entrance of TWGHs TungPo, a youth-focused creative and innovative center in Hong Kong, where its message of “Say No to Violence” will reach hundreds of young people during the 16 Days of Activism.
Zonta Club of Isabela launches solar light initiative to combat violence
On day eight of the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, proudly launched its “Zonta Pailaw” project, an initiative to install solar lights in poorly lit areas to enhance safety for women and girls.
The first installation took place in Sitio Isla Verde, Barangay General Aguinaldo, a remote community near Magat Dam, where regular electricity access is challenging. By addressing the lack of proper lighting, the club aims to deter crimes such as assault and provide a safer environment for women and girls to travel and work at night.
The project, aligned with Zonta’s theme of envisioning a brighter future, highlights the critical link between infrastructure and gender-based violence. The club selected the site after a rigorous process involving shortlisting, validation and coordination with local officials.
As the solar lights illuminate paths, they symbolize hope and the club’s commitment to empowering communities. The initiative reinforces the club’s dedication to fostering safety, sustainability and gender equality.
Zonta Club Dhaka IV hosts advocacy session on women and child protection
As part of the 16 Days of Activism, Zonta Club of Dhaka IV, Bangladesh, held two impactful advocacy sessions aimed at empowering women and promoting safety for vulnerable groups.
The first session took place at ILMA Grammar School, where over 100 mothers, teachers and grandmothers gathered to learn about protecting girls from sexual exploitation and abuse. Zonta advocates Hasina Rashid and Shabnaz Begum led discussions on safeguarding children, emphasizing the role of families and schools in creating secure environments. Past District Governor Naheed Moyeen stressed the need for schools to implement child protection training for staff, while President Naheed Shaheen concluded the session by highlighting the 16 Days of Activism as a crucial opportunity to advocate for a world free of violence.
In another session held in the densely populated Rupnagar area of Mirpur, the focus shifted to domestic female workers. Advocate Hasina Rashid facilitated discussions to listen to their stories, understand the challenges they face and explore ways to support them. President Naheed Islam addressed the women, reaffirming Zonta’s commitment to creating meaningful change and providing the resources needed to build a safer, fear-free future.
The session in Rupnagar reached 60 women, reinforcing the club’s mission to empower women, amplify their voices, and foster lasting change in their communities.
Zonta Club of Black Hills advocates against violence with local support
The Zonta Club of Black Hills, USA, took a stand against domestic violence during the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, supported by a proclamation from Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun. The proclamation underscored the importance of Zonta’s global advocacy efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls.
An intimate press conference was held as part of the campaign. Attendees included two women officers from the Sheriff’s Department specializing in domestic violence cases and Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick.
A letter to the editor of the Rapid City Journal was sent, urging the community to join the Zonta Says NO campaign and take collective action to combat violence.
In the news: Bayern board member Michael Diederich takes a stand
FC Bayern and its deputy CEO Michael Diederich are part of an initiative by the Paritätischer Gesamtverband to raise awareness of the taboo subject of domestic violence against women in a joint video on social media. Under the slogan ‘What are we waiting for?’, figures from business, culture, sport and society take a clear stance.
“Those affected by domestic violence need protection and support,” says Diederich. “Together with the Paritätischer Gesamtverband, we at FC Bayern once again want to raise awareness of this taboo topic in society. We are also always concerned with empowering and supporting women. Among other things, we have therefore launched our EmpowerHer mentoring programme within FC Bayern. We want to make a difference both internally and externally and continuously work to improve equal opportunities.”
“Those affected by domestic violence need protection and support. Together with the Paritätischer Gesamtverband, we at FC Bayern once again want to raise awareness of this taboo topic in society.”
Dr Michael Diederich
On 25 November, to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the club will once again light up the Allianz Arena in the colour orange to support the ‘Zonta says No’ initiative. Herbert Hainer has been involved with lending support on this day for years, and a few weeks ago the club president also took part as a guest speaker and participant in a panel discussion at the annual meeting of the Zonta women’s movement. Hainer explained the long success story of women’s football at FC Bayern and emphasised the social impact of the players: “These women are absolute role models, far beyond the pitch. They show that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and stick to your path. They are an incredible inspiration, for all of us.”
In the news: ZONTA’S DIGNITY DRIVE CONTINUES THROUGH NOVEMBER 22ND
The Zonta Club of Roseburg is continuing its Dignity Drive through November 22nd.
The Dignity Drive collects women’s undergarments and sanitary products for victims of domestic violence. Abuse victims are often forced to flee their home with little more than the clothing they are wearing. Donated items provide dignity as the women work to restore their lives. All sizes of top and bottom garments are needed.
Three of the Dignity Drive drop sites are on Northwest Stewart Parkway: the YMCA of Douglas County, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews, and Sherm’s Thunderbird Market. Dignity items can also be dropped off at the front desk of the Roseburg Public Library on Northeast Diamond Lake Boulevard.
The Dignity Drive is part of Zonta’s HandUp program, which works in cooperation with Peace at Home Advocacy Center, Adapt/Crossroads, Safe Haven Maternity Home and other agencies to help women in life changing transitions. The donated items will be distributed to these partner agencies for women in need.
Zonta International is a service organization of men and women dedicated to building a better world for women and girls. For additional information, go to www.zontaroseburg.org.
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