For the sixth year, the Zonta Club of Punta del Este-Maldonado takes part in the 2023 Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign. With support from the Pilots and Authorities of the Naval Air Command of the Navy in their city, this year’s theme was “Real Men only raise their voices to defend Women.”

The club wanted to reinforce the message give to their community, not only with Zontians wearing orange shirts and speaking against violence, but by involving men from highly respected organizations around the city. This action is very important to change old mentalities and stereotypes, mostly in Latin American countries that do not respect women’s rights or justify violence against women.

The club’s campaign was published in all local media and was high applauded and supported by authorities and the community. They could not have done this campaign without the support and participation of men saying only Real Men raise their voices to defend women.

The Zonta Club of Kauai’s, USA, 2023 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign was held on 29 November at the Kauai Society of Artists gallery at Kukui Grove Center.

Approximately 25 guests and Zonta members were present to bring awareness to the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign. The club partnered with the Kauai Society of Artists, YWMCA Kauai, AAUW Hawaii and Kukui Grove Center.

The Zonta Club of Corry Area, USA, recently observed the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaigns from 25 November to 10 December.

During the club’s recent car and cash raggle drawing fundraiser, they posed with a Zonta Says NO banner that hangs across a main street during the fall months to bring awareness to the cause.

Amidst the bright hues of dawn, banners unfurled with fiery determination as advocates of violence against women, girls and children gathered. Draped in orange as a symbol of activism, the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, Philippines, forged a formidable tapestry, a united front against the darkness of bruises and marks of maltreatment.

On the day dedicated to advocating against Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), the club, under the leadership of Club President Maria Olivia B. Pascual, and the Local Government Unit of Lal-lo headed by Florante C. Pascual, CPA, together with the Philippine National Police Lal-lo Station, Academe and the Z-club of Lal-lo National High School united in solidarity, conducted a symposium of Saying No to Violence Against Women and girls to the students of Cabayabasan National High School, Logac National High School, Magapit National High School and Lal-lo National High School.

“Know your rights! Speak up. The local government, the Zonta Club of Tuguegarao, the Z-club of Lal-lo National High School and our PNP Lal-lo are here to help victims of violence and abuse behind closed doors.” said Olivia as she encouraged students to help eradicate the scourge of abuse which will help foster hope for a safer community for every woman and girls.

Through symposiums, seminars, and online campaigns, the club aims to echo loud voices saying NO to violence against women and girls, demanding justice and empowerment to every Juana of the society.

The club and the Z Club of Lal-lo National High School painted the town orange. They conducted a Zumba in Orange event to signify standing strong together against violence. By embracing every Zumba step, participants can undertake celebrated strength and unity and hope to raise awareness and end violence against women.

Through this movement, the club encourages everyone to help violence victims, and through feeling the rhythm, participants moved and grooved together, reflecting a kaleidoscope of courage and solidarity. Zumba in Orange is a testament to the club’s collective journey from darkness to the bright hues of empowerment and support.

Everyone danced, laughed, and reclaimed their joy, reaffirming that unity conquers all, letting the rhythm of resilience echo far and wide as they stand firm against violence against women and girls wearing the orange banner of activism.

The club extends its heartfelt appreciation to the local government unit of Lal-lo through the leadership of Mayor Florante C. Pascual and all the government agencies and local school leaders for their support in building a better world for women and girls.

At the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a few members from the Zonta e-Club of the United Kingdom joined Savera UK, a local organization, to march through the streets of Liverpool to raise awareness of violence against women. They were also joined by the Zonta Club of London.

The clubs marched with a Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women banner and handed out flyers on the way. Their story was also shared on the local news. It was an inspirational day with speakers who shared their own stories of survival.

The club raised awareness of the issue and gave others the courage to share their stories.

On 24 November, the Zonta Club of Kalmar, Sweden, was on site when the Kalmar Hockey Club played a match, where they and an announcer informed the 2,000 audience about Zonta and Orange Day.

Pictures about Zonta and the possibility of donating were also on the media box on the ceiling. The entire arena was lit up in orange, and the club received 10% of the sales that night. The club looks forward to continued cooperation with the hockey club.

During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Vienna I, Austria, organized several day spots to inform public transport riders about violence against women via info screens. By transmitting relevant facts on various topics, including international and local issues, they were able to reach a large number of people.

The club also illuminated bridges across the city in orange to raise further awareness. Kathrin Gaál, the vice mayor of Vienna, took part in a joint photo session to draw attention to this action.

The Zonta clubs of Toowoomba Garden City Inc and Toowoomba Inc, Australia, partnered with a Zonta e-club, the Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC), Toowoomba Together Inc and Protea Place to stand together to eliminate violence against women and children. Dressed in orange and holding up banners, they lined the Victoria Street Bridge from 4 to 5:30 PM, the busiest time, to bring awareness to the issue.

With actions like this, the club wants their community to know that they will not tolerate any violence against women, and they need to call it out.

The Zonta Club of Redcliffe Inc, Australia, had a successful 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by holding several actions such as:

• Holding an Orange Activism Breakfast with special guest speaker Simone O’Brien, a domestic violence survivor who now lectures Australia-wide and internationally. Ninety-five attendees participated.
• Turning Moreton Bay orange with lighted council buildings, parks and fountains
• Putting up three local Zonta library displays in Redcliffe, North Lakes and Deception Bay.
• Placing 16 Orange Ladies in local businesses around Redcliffe Peninsula.
• Hanging four Zonta Says NO banners on prominent sites on the Redcliffe Peninsula and surrounding areas.
• Displaying a banner and video made at Mango Hill Market Place.
• Having an interview on local radio 99.7 Bridge FM.
• Publishing articles in two local publications,  Redcliffe Magazine and Moreton Daily.
• Putting up two information tables with members present at local shopping centers.
• Participating in Brisbane City’s Zonta Says NO walk.
• Posting almost daily on Facebook with domestic and family violence awareness facts.
• Holding a Zonta flag and UN flag-raising ceremony with about 50 attendees at Redcliffe City Hub.

With all these events and others throughout the year, the club has become well-known throughout the region for their work and what they stand for. a

The Zonta Club of London, United Kingdom, partnered with charity Savera UK to march through Liverpool city center from Williamson Square to call for an end to honor-based abuse (HBA), harmful practices and all forms of gender-based abuse.