Zonta Club of Atlántico Sur’s 16 Days of Activism

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On 25 November, the Zonta Club of Atlántico Sur, Uruguay, will begin the 16 Days of Activism campaign with an expansion of last year’s successful Orange Benches initiative across the area. The campaign, focused on the message “Say NO to violence against women and girls,” will feature regular updates on social media and the organization’s website.

As part of the campaign, the district will proudly present From Caterpillar to Butterfly, a thought-provoking play about gender violence, in the city of Pan de Azúcar. The performance aims to raise awareness and spark dialogue on the issue, with strong support and coverage from local media.

District 31 hosts musical event to promote anti-violence advocacy

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Zonta Clubs of Taipei I and Taipei II co-sponsored the joint monthly meeting Folk Song Youth Reappearance, drawing 108 participants, including members from 13 Zonta clubs across Taiwan. The event combined nostalgic music with a powerful message, advocating kindness and warmth as alternatives to violence and fear.

Through the universal language of music, the event echoed Zonta’s international anti-violence initiative, emphasizing respect, equality and harmony. Campus folk songs—a cultural form rich in humanistic spirit—were used to convey the concept of “replacing violence with love and fear with hope.”

This unique event brought participants back to days of innocence through music and reinforced Zonta’s core mission of empowering women and promoting world peace. It showcased how cultural expressions can inspire change and strengthen the call for a violence-free society.

District 31 celebrates Zonta’s 105th birthday with wellness run 

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On 8-9 November, Zonta District 31 marked the organization’s 105th anniversary with a wellness run aimed at promoting Zonta Says NO and advocating for gender equality. 

The event, supported by core members and a partnership with a Taiwanese pharmaceutical company, attracted over 4,000 participants, symbolizing a commitment to both health and social responsibility. Participants from across Taiwan, including clubs in Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, Taipei, Taoyuan, Hualien and Penghu, joined the run, showcasing Zonta’s spirit of unity and inclusivity. 

A key event initiative was the Every Member Every November fundraising campaign, which raised US$33,180. The celebration emphasized Zonta’s mission to empower women and girls, inspiring positive change to build a better world for all. 

Zonta e-Club of Matera hosts Shades of Narcissism

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The Zonta e-Club of Matera, Italy, is set to host an event titled Shades of Narcissism, aiming to shed light on the hidden forms of violence that often go unnoticed. The event will encourage deep reflection on these covert issues while promoting prevention and healing for this widespread social concern.

The program will feature psychologists, field experts and journalists who will share insights and strategies to address the impact of narcissism in relationships and society.

District 31 Zontians celebrate Zonta 105 birthday by saying NO to gender-based violence

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On 8 November, Zontians from District 31, Mongolia and Taiwan, celebrated Zonta’s 105 birthday in a chartered yacht ride while advocating gender equality and saying NO to violence against women and girls.

Forty Zontians from seven clubs, including four past District 31 governors, joined the ride in Kaohsiung Harbor, southern Taiwan. The event was sponsored by Jastina Chen, a Zonta Club of Kaohsiung Yu-Hsiuan member, who was district secretary from 2018 to 2020. Past governor May Wen from the Zonta Club of Kaohsiung Yu-Hsiuan and several other club members helped organize the celebration.

During the one-and-a-half-hour harbor tour, senior Zontians also shared their experiences in serving Zonta while urging younger ones to contribute innovative ideas in recruiting new members and spreading Zonta spirit.

The Zontians from different parts of Taiwan also took the opportunity to visit the historic site of the British Consulate at Takow, a complex built in 1865, to learn the culture and architectural style more than a century ago in Kaohsiung.

Zonta Club of Cebu I hosts workshop on child abuse and online sexual exploitation

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In response to the alarming rise in cases of child abuse and online sexual exploitation (OSEC), the Zonta Club of Cebu I, Philippines, held a vital workshop titled “How to Spot and Deal with Child Abuse and OSEC” on 16, 18 and 21 October. This workshop brought together 120 participants, including school guidance counselors, teachers, student leaders and selected members of the UV Golden Z Club from Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City and Talisay City.

Acknowledging the critical role that education professionals play in identifying and supporting victims, the workshop emphasized the importance of school-based interventions in addressing violence against women and children, as well as gender-based violence. Marilou Gallarde, RSW, President of the Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. (PASWI) Cebu Chapter, facilitated the sessions, offering essential insights into the complex nature of these issues and practical strategies for intervention.

This initiative was part of the club’s Women Empowerment (WE) Hub Project and received funding support from WRAAP. The workshop not only provided attendees with valuable knowledge but also reinforced the commitment of Cebu’s community sectors to combat abuse and promote safer, more supportive environments for children.

Zonta Clubs in Taiwan celebrate 105 years and advocate against violence

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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.

I am RADA campaign launches to combat domestic violence

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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.

Zonta Club of Grand Island prepares for Zonta Says NO

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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.

For more information, contact the Zonta Club of Grand Island at grandislandzonta@gmail.com.

Zonta Club of Prowers County honored with 2024 Advocacy Award

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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.