Zonta Club of Tuguegarao Says NO to violence against women and girls

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During the 16 Days of Activism, the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, Philippines, collaborated with the Z-Club of Cagayan National High School to raise awareness about gender-based violence. Through a meeting on Violence Against Women and Girls, the aim was to educate youth about the impact, causes, and potential solutions to these reprehensible acts against the vulnerable gender. 

The conference featured Zontian Atty. Rowena H. De Guzman-Donato as the distinguished Resource Speaker, imparting invaluable insights into this silent pandemic within the community. Among the attendees were Zister Dr. Evelyn Guzman, Zister Liza Del Rosario Mora, Zister Filomena Tristeza, Zister Rebecca P. Cumigad and the School Principal, Ms. Carmen A. Acain. 

The success of the Symposium on Violence Against Women and Girls was evident through the active participation and dedication of the club members and the leadership of the Z-Club of Cagayan National High School, all committed to change for women and girls. Youth participants expressed their determination to sustain the momentum and continue striving for a violence-free world, stating, “Together, we can make a difference!” 

In the words of the Z-Club of Cagayan National High School, “Let’s stand united against violence and strive for a safer, more inclusive world.” 

Zonta Club of Glens Falls Say NO to sexual assault: $7,500 donation toward forensic equipment

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The Zonta Club of Glens Falls, USA, along with the foundation treasurer, has taken a significant step in combating sexual assault by donating $7,500 to the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners at Glens Falls Hospital. This contribution will enable the purchase of a colposcope, an essential device for gathering forensic evidence crucial in prosecuting sexual assault cases. 

Aligned with the mission to empower women and girls, the club is committed to making a real impact in the fight against sexual predation. Through partnerships with local agencies and institutions that share the same goals, the club aims to raise awareness and bring about meaningful change in the community. 

Zonta Club of Caloundra City Inc partner with Sunshine Coast Falcons for Respect Round

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The Zonta Club of Caloundra City Inc, Australia, joined forces with the Sunshine Coast Falcons during the Respect Round for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Embracing the commitment to combat domestic violence, the club distributed vital information and stress balls adorned with support service phone numbers. Additionally, the members formed an honor guard, standing as a beacon of support as players took to the field. With unwavering resolve, the club boldly declares: “Zonta Says NO to Domestic Violence.”

Join the movement: Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte’s 16 days of activism

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The Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte launched a 16-day activism campaign, each day featuring a different action. The club’s goal was to raise awareness, and they did that and more with making significant noise in reaffirming commitment to service and advocacy programs. Their efforts addressed crucial issues such as preventing teenage pregnancy, promoting financial literacy and fostering women’s rights. Through educational forums, community outreach and continuous support, they transformed countless lives, paving the way for a more just and inclusive future.

Click here to watch the 2022 and 2023 video.

Zonta Club of Accra Jubilee hosts self-defense class and fundraiser to spark change during 16 Days of Activism

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As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Accra Jubilee, Ghana, organized a dynamic self-defense class and a fundraiser to spark change in their community. 

Self-defense class

The club’s self-defense class was a passive learning experience and a platform for women to actively participate and equip themselves with essential skills to protect themselves. The event saw a strong turnout, with nearly 20 women eagerly engaging in the learning process and enhancing their self-defense capabilities. 

The class featured skilled professionals who guided participants through self-defense techniques and strategies. From basic maneuvers to more advanced tactics, attendees gained practical knowledge and confidence in their ability to defend themselves in potentially dangerous situations.

Opening the class to the public allowed the club to reach a broad audience and provide valuable self-defense training for women of all ages and backgrounds. The event emphasized the importance of proactive measures in preventing gender-based violence and promoting personal safety and empowerment. Through the self-defense class, the club reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women’s rights and combating gender-based violence. The club strives to create a safer and more secure community for all by equipping women with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves. 

Participant feedback highlighted the event’s significance, with one attendee expressing, “Attending the self-defense class was empowering. I feel more confident and prepared to handle challenging situations. Thank you to the club for organizing such an impactful event.” 

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and social justice, the club remains dedicated to providing resources and support to empower women and combat gender-based violence. The self-defense class is a tangible expression of its commitment to fostering a culture of safety, empowerment and respect for all individuals.

Fundraiser for change

The club organized a remarkable fundraising event, “Light Up Accra,” held at the prestigious Silver Star Towers building. This event marked the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with a powerful initiative to raise awareness and support for this crucial cause.

The building was illuminated in orange, symbolizing solidarity and hope for survivors of gender-based violence. This striking display captivated the attention of the community, serving as a visual reminder of the urgent need to address and eradicate gender-based violence. 

The fundraising event kicked off with a vibrant gathering of community members, activists and supporters united in their commitment to ending gender-based violence. Through various activities and initiatives, attendees had the opportunity to contribute to the cause and show their support for survivors. 

The event was a fundraiser and a platform for education and advocacy. Speakers shared powerful stories and statistics, shedding light on the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence in their society. Discussions and workshops provided valuable insights into ways to prevent and address the issue, fostering a sense of empowerment and solidarity among attendees. It also epitomizes the club’s mission to empower women and eliminate violence against them. They strive to create a safer and more equitable society by raising awareness and funds to support survivors. 

Through the collective efforts of the club, partners and supporters, the event surpassed its fundraising goals and generated significant momentum for the 16 Days of Activism campaign. This event raised vital funds for support services, sparked crucial conversations and inspired meaningful action within the community. 

As the club continues to advocate for gender equality and social justice, events like “Light Up Accra” are powerful reminders of the collective strength and determination needed to create a world free from violence and discrimination. 

In the words of one attendee, “Tonight’s event was not just about raising funds; it was about raising awareness and standing in solidarity with survivors. The club’s initiative has inspired me to become more involved in ending gender-based violence and to work towards a future where everyone feels safe and respected.”

Zonta clubs in Akureyri marches to end violence against women

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On 30 November, the Zonta clubs of Akureyri-Thorunn Hyrna and Akureyri, Iceland, collaborated with the Soroptimist Club of Akureyri to organize a torchlight march to end violence against women.

The turnout for the event was very impressive. The march was led by the mayor and the police chief, and the media covered the event extensively, including taking photographs of it. At the conclusion of the walk, a powerful speech was given about gender-based violence against women in Iceland, highlighting the possibility of victims’ growth and resilience despite their experiences of violence. The speech was published in its entirety by the media.

The clubs believe it is important to work against gender-based violence in Iceland, as in other countries. gender-based violence has increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Akureyri is important to remind all of this serious fact and that gender-based violence must be fought against by all means and in cooperation with many parties.

Zonta Club of Little Belt fundraises to say NO to child marriages

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The Zonta Club of Little Belt, Denmark, hosted a successful fundraising Banko and Bobler event on 17 March. 

Under a cozy atmosphere, sponsors willingly donated prizes for the day, and all proceeds went to Zonta’s and the UN’s efforts to end child marriage.

Zonta Club of Cebu II stages ARTivism

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To kick off the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Cebu II, Philippines, staged ARTivism 2023 to show women’s universal perspectives on various gender issues through diverse stage art forms.

The club’s advocacy committee organized the exhibit, which merged art and activism, at Oakridge Garden Plaza starting on 26 November.

Women ARTivism 2023 emphasized the power of performing arts in conveying advocacy messages. The performances ranged from singing to dances, poem recitals to monologues, all amplifying women’s voices. By encouraging attendees to identify various issues, the club wanted to convey that women who want to share their advocacies can use their art to communicate.

During the event, the club tackled various issues, such as monologues on climate change, dramatic readings on human trafficking based on real-life interviews with survivors in Cebu, songs that celebrated women’s empowerment and short plays that discussed gender-based violence and life as an activist.

Zonta Club of Oahu’s one-year plan for Zonta Says NO

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As soon as its Zonta Says NO banner was ordered, the Zonta Club of Oahu, USA, prepared its 12-month plan, committing to at least one “pop-up” event monthly and at least four events during the 2023 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

As a club or by partnering with like-minded organizations, the members have “popped up” at the Hawaii State Capitol, the Convention Center, a major shopping center, a park, film screenings and an art museum to say NO to violence against women.

Zonta Club of Valea Prahovei raises violence against women awareness in community

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The Zonta Club of Valea Prahovei, Romania, partnered with the Z Club Spiru Haret Prahova, Cocorastii Colt Secondary School and the Prahova County Police Department to create awareness surrounding our cause- prevention of violence by putting in place workshops with 10 classes from Spiru Haret High School. 

Together with the school’s educational advisor and headmaster, the club presented its organization and projects and started its anti-violence workshops. They involved 200 students and discussed types of violence and cyberbullying.

The challenge presented in this campaign was with a specific class: 10K. In this class, there have been several reported violent incidents involving students and extra counseling and guidance were needed. The club wanted to take specific action to improve this community of students where the Z club studies daily.

This class consists of twenty boys and only one girl, who is subjected to bullying instead of being protected. Two opinion leaders have behavioral problems and refuse to work with specific teachers or school counselors. For this class workshop, the club requested the help of the Prahova County Police Department. The club received help from Commissioner Liliana Marin and Inspector Ana Stroe, who participated in counseling and debates. They discussed with the students about violence, its causes and consequences, and concepts such as discernment were explained to them, as well as crime, misdemeanors, assault and what charges can be made for such behavior.

To further address this issue, the club:

  • Followed up with our anti-violence prevention campaign in Cocorastii Colt Middle School, where over 60 students participated.
  • Carried out a debate activity with the support of the local Argo Debate Club. Sixty Spiru Haret High School students, 10 leading teachers, the educational council and the two debate teams formed three teams. The debate theme consisted of the Romanian Parliament’s motion to sanction mass media institutions for the perpetuation of stereotypes related to the issue of violence.
  • Organized a short film competition on the theme of violence at Spiru Haret High School, where they awarded two prizes and a mention. 
  •  Arranged a raffle named “Together we do good deeds” with 300 participants. The raffle raised 800 euros, which were directed to the counseling of victim violence support therapy and equipment for the high school canteen.
  •  Illuminated the Spiru Haret High School in orange and made an orange panel with anti-violence messages for all the students that come to school every day to see. Twenty students and five teachers were involved in this activity.