In celebration of Zonta International’s 105th anniversary and the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign, the Zonta Club of Hsinchu, Taiwan, hosted a one-day gathering at a popular persimmon farm. The event included members from five clubs: Zonta Clubs of Taipei III, Miaoli, Metropolis and Changhua.
Despite a challenging typhoon, the event was a success, fostering fellowship among Zontians from different counties and reinforcing cross-club connections. “Happy 105th birthday, Zonta! Let’s move on to another 105!” cheered participants, marking a resilient and spirited celebration of the organization’s legacy and advocacy.
On 2 November, all Bulgarian clubs of Zonta International launched the I am RADA project to combat domestic violence, with initiatives across Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse and Stara Zagora. The campaign features the Rada doll, a symbol of support for victims of domestic violence, positioned in public places alongside orange-painted benches illuminating parks and streets. Each doll carries a QR code linking to the “HELP ME” app, developed by the National Office for Legal Assistance, where victims can access resources and contacts for support.
District 30 Governor Yana Gencheva emphasized that the campaign aims to protect all victims, including men, affected by violence. “Rada is our hope and belief for a world without violence, a world where everyone has equal rights,” said Diana Ivanova, director of Area 05, District 30.
As part of the campaign, Zonta encourages citizens to show their support by taking photos with the Rada dolls and sharing them on social media with the hashtag #АзСамРада. The project is supported by the Bulgarian Women’s Fund and the European Union and aims to foster a culture of respect and safety for all.
The Zonta Club of Grand Island, USA, will kick off its 16 Days of Activism on Monday, 25 November, concluding on Tuesday, 10 December. This annual campaign, aligned with Zonta International’s Say No to Violence Against Women, calls for an end to violence against women worldwide. Zonta Club President Heidi Travagline announced that the Town Board will issue a proclamation supporting the campaign at its meeting on 18 November.
During the 16 Days of Activism, Zonta clubs are urged to take action locally, nationally and internationally to influence policy, change attitudes and end gender-based violence. The campaign, launched on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and concluding on Human Rights Day, was initiated by activists at the 1991 Women’s Global Leadership Institute and continues to be led by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership.
The Zonta Club of Prowers County, USA, was honored with the 2024 Advocacy Award at the District 12 Governor’s Conference. The club will dedicate 16 days to raising awareness about gender-based violence as part of the global Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women campaign, running from 25 November to 10 December, with daily activities planned. This year’s efforts are led by Chair Liz Whitham.
The Zonta Club of Redcliffe Inc, Australia, received the Community Service Award at the Queensland Police Service Annual Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards, honoring its commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence across Queensland. The club’s volunteers transformed standard rooms at three police stations—Redcliffe, Mango Hill/North Lakes and Deception Bay—into welcoming, safe spaces for vulnerable individuals. These redesigned rooms now feature comfortable seating, floor coverings, toys, books, and digital distractions, creating a calming environment where children and those affected by domestic and family violence can speak with police without fear or stress.
Acting Chief Superintendent Guild expressed gratitude for Zonta’s contributions, noting, “Without their contributions, these projects would not become a reality.” Senior Constable Morris highlighted the importance of the project in reducing barriers to reporting domestic violence, which can often be influenced by the presence of children or fear of police environments. “By partnering with Zonta and our local providers, we created rooms that hopefully remove some of those barriers,” Morris said.
The Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, led by President May-Ann M. Beting-Pilpil, participated in BFPNV Live Talakayan, Year 9, Episode 4, focusing on gender-based violence, gender equality and climate justice. May-Ann highlighted women’s rights and gender equality, emphasizing the need for advocacy and equitable opportunities for all.
During the discussion, she shared club’s initiatives, aimed at empowering women through educational programs and outreach. The episode also covered Zonta’s mission, membership and trivia, engaging over 2,000 viewers. In her closing, May-Ann encouraged women to support each other in building a better world for women and girls.
On 10 August, the Zonta Club of Cebu 1, Philippines, celebrated its second anniversary partnership with My Bonita Home for Girls Inc. at the organization’s Talamban, Cebu City location. The event, attended by the club’s Board of Directors led by President Melita Ramos, included a talk by Carl Dave Black Ang on teenage pregnancy to raise awareness about its impacts and the importance of education.
The club donated beads to My Bonita Home as part of their ongoing support for the welfare of young girls in the facility, many of whom are survivors of abuse and neglect. This partnership reflects the club’s dedication to empowering women and girls, reaffirming their commitment to positive change.
During the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Accra II, Ghana, took action to address violence against women by engaging with the women at Osu Night Market and nearby teenage girls. The event featured a discussion led by male facilitators and included a health screening for the women in the area. As part of the Zonta Says No campaign, Zonta aprons were distributed to the women who cook at the market, helping to raise awareness of the cause.
In an exciting development, these Zonta aprons were later featured in a video by the popular YouTube channel “Best Ever Food Review Show,” which has nearly 11 million followers and regularly garners over a million views per video. The video offers excellent exposure for the campaign, starting at the 14-minute mark, where the Zonta aprons are prominently displayed.
On 9 August, the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Philippines, conducted a meeting with a like-minded organization in Makati, the Makati Social Welfare Development (MSWD). The two organizations discussed the Memorandum of Understanding and planned collaborations for celebrating the 16 Days of Activism, Women’s Month and other advocacy projects that will benefit marginalized women and children in Makati. The main goals of this collaboration are:
1. To help resolve the issue of violence against women and children in the marginalized sectors of society, specifically in Makati.
2. To create programs and activities that raise awareness about violence against women and children.
3. To improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women in Makati through service and advocacy.
4. To advance understanding, goodwill and peace through significant activities and programs that promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
5. To unite in fostering high ethical standards, implementing service and advocacy programs and providing mutual support to communities.
Present at this meeting were club president Joanne Z. Andrada, accompanied by club service committee chairs Vikki Yu and Armita Rufino and club executive director Jay Joaquino. Also in attendance were MSWD department head Ms. Loida Pangilinan, Ms. Dulce Manansala, RSW and two other staff members from MSWD. The city of Makati, MSWD and the Zonta Club of Makati & Environs Foundation, Inc. are partners in promoting programs to combat violence against women and children.
Members of the Zonta Club of Cebu II, Philippines, wore blue to show solidarity with human trafficking victims worldwide as they joined Mandaue City’s Gender and Development personnel for a workshop and orientation on trafficking in persons. This event, held to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July, brought together Violence Against Women (VAW) desk officials, Department of Social Welfare staff, Department of Justice lawyers, police officers and representatives from the Commission of Filipinos Overseas, among others.
The workshop focused on anti-human trafficking laws, risk factors that contribute to trafficking and exploitation in vulnerable communities, identifying red flags, and utilizing referral networks for rescue and prosecution efforts. Discussions emphasized the need for increased community awareness, improved referral systems, interagency collaboration, and effective reporting and investigation to strengthen the prosecution and conviction of traffickers.
Participants advocated for a stronger, united campaign against trafficking, particularly child trafficking. The club members also distributed their statement against the trafficking and exploitation of children and minors, available in both English and the Cebuano dialect.
Join us in saying NO 