The Zonta Club of Hong Kong held a joint Installation Ceremony for six Z clubs at Good Hope School. Following the ceremony, over 145 attendees, including Zontians, teacher advisers and Z club members, participated in a powerful advocacy activity for the Zonta Says NO campaign. Together, they raised awareness by forming an “X” with black cards to symbolize “NO” and surrounding it with orange fans printed with the campaign logo.
On 24 November, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, launched its Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign a day ahead of the official 16 Days of Activism.
The campaign, ongoing since 2012, aims to raise awareness of women’s rights violations and unite Zonta clubs worldwide in advocating against gender-based violence and inequality. The launch highlighted the campaign’s significance and introduced upcoming projects and activities to engage the public.
Club leaders, including President Jennifer Loveria, Vice President Ramorelia Caranay, and Charter and Past President Precious Jao, spearheaded the event, emphasizing Zonta’s commitment to empowering women and girls.
On 25 November, the Zonta Club of Isabela and the Province of Isabela launched their Zonta Says NO campaign at the Capitol grounds in the City of Ilagan, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The Zonta Club of Leer-Ostfriesland, Germany, is spreading awareness with Matilda, Germany’s Orange Lady, as part of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.
Symbolizing the fight against gender-based violence, Matilda is traveling across the country to raise awareness and inspire action. With her bright orange presence, Matilda delivers a powerful message: NO to violence against women!
On 20 November, the University General Hospital for Active Treatment in Stara Zagora opened the country’s first Orange Room to support and counsel victims of violence. This safe space was created by the Zonta Club of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, along with the Stara Zagora Z club. The club also had the support of the Public Donor Fund, donors and like-minded advocates.
The Orange Room offers a gentle environment where survivors can receive timely legal protection and psychological help. Named for the color of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and the UN’s Orange the World initiative, the room symbolizes warmth, safety and peace of mind.
The club hopes the Orange Room will inspire national and international initiatives, providing safe spaces for survivors to feel protected and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.
The Zonta Clubs of Kaohsiung Yu Hsiuan and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, part of District 31, hosted a ceremony donating ten electric motorcycles to the Kaohsiung City Government. The donation supports social workers in reaching remote areas quickly to assist victims of domestic violence, aligning with the Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women campaign.
President Sandy Hung of Kaohsiung Yu Hsiuan emphasized the club’s commitment to gender equality and ending violence, noting the donation coincided with the club’s 30th anniversary. The motorcycles, branded with the clubs’ logos, were made possible through months of planning and generous support from like-minded organizations.
The event also featured parent-child activities and a “Get to Know Zonta” Q&A program, offering prizes for correct answers about Zonta. Hundreds of attendees joined club members in calling for an end to violence against women.
The Zonta Club of Luzern Landschaft, Switzerland, held its first advocacy event as part of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign on 19 November. The event, in collaboration with Zeitgut Regio Sursee, featured bullying expert Christelle Schläpfer, who provided insights into the psychological impact of (cyber)bullying in schools and society.
Christelle, founder of the consulting firm “edufamily,” specializes in training professionals, resolving school bullying cases, and supporting families of affected children. Her presentation shed light on the immense psychological pressure young people face today and demonstrated methods used in cyberbullying. She offered practical solutions and strategies to address these challenges, leaving the audience both informed and inspired.
The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with attendees noting the valuable tips they could apply in their own families and communities.
The cooperative Zeitgut Regio Sursee, which partnered on this event, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting neighborhood assistance. They connect volunteers with those in need, helping individuals, including the elderly and those with mental health challenges, to live independently and maintain stability.
The Zonta Club of Bendigo Inc, Australia, has launched its 16 Days of Activism campaign with the release of a video titled Respect Is, shared on the club’s newly created YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/bYhdPa00_H0.
As a member of the Greater Bendigo Against Family Violence (GBAFV) Committee, the club is sponsoring an evening with Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic. Dokic will share her experiences of overcoming war, bullying, and domestic violence at the hands of her father and tennis coach. The event, which quickly booked nearly 1,000 tickets, promises to be a compelling highlight of the campaign.
The GBAFV Committee has also organized a daily calendar of events throughout the 16 Days of Activism, with Zonta members actively participating in many activities. In preparation, club members have knitted and crocheted orange flowers, which will adorn the fence of the Bendigo Conservatory in the town center. The Conservatory itself will be illuminated in orange for the duration of the campaign, symbolizing support for the elimination of violence against women and girls.
On 14 November, the Zonta Club of Bangkok IX, Thailand, led by President Dr. Sunjutha Witchawut, installed a Z Club at Phanomthuanchanupatham School in Kanchanaburi Province.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Zonta District 17 Lt. Governor Z. Runcha Boribalburibhand, Area 6 Director Z. Inthira Sawadpanich and District 17 Z and Golden Z Club Committee Vice Chair Z. Natpapha Jiirakulkij, who performed the installation. President Sunjutha presented the Z Club flag along with a donation of 10,000 THB to support the new club’s activities.
Also in attendance were Panida Pathumarak, Area 6 Club Creator, members of the Zonta Club of Bangkok III, and Z Club members from Visuttharangsi Kanchanaburi School, who observed the ceremony as part of their preparation for their own upcoming Z Club installation.
Following the installation, the school hosted a special lecture on stopping violence against women, raising awareness among students and educating them on addressing this critical issue.
The Zonta Club of Ashtabula Area, USA, gathered at the Ashtabula Lift Bridge, illuminated in orange to support the Zonta Says NO campaign. Joined by County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski, the event highlighted the club’s efforts to address domestic abuse and support women recovering from abusive situations. Casey commended the club’s ongoing work and encouraged collective action to prevent abuse, particularly against women and girls.
Following the bridge lighting, members visited two high-traffic billboards displaying Zonta Says NO messaging and the abuse hotline. These billboards, which have previously drawn new members to the club, ensure the message reaches a broad audience.
The club continues to partner with local shelters and transitional living facilities to provide vital support for women and girls in the community.
This year, the Zonta Club of Adelaide Flinders Inc, Australia, is spreading its message against gender-based violence with impactful displays of Orange Ladies, along with the distribution of information, orange ribbons, and orange “hug” hearts.
The displays have been placed at Local Government Community and Women’s Information Centres, as well as various local businesses. On 28 November and 4 December, the club will host a display on The Parade in Norwood, where Zontians will hand out orange ribbons to engage the community in raising awareness.
Join us in saying NO 