More than 30,000 women per year, or 82 per day, are killed by an intimate partner. We recognize and mourn all the women and girls lost to intimate partner violence and commit to eliminating gender-based violence.

We must end the silence around domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of gender-based violence. Listen to these six courageous talks that highlight the importance of speaking out against abuse.

The Zonta Club of Key West launched the 16 Days of Activism on 21 November 2020 by tying orange ribbons around trees along North Roosevelt Boulevard in Key West to raise awareness of gender-based violence.

The City of Key West Commission also presented a proclamation to Zonta Club of Key West on 4 November in recognition of the 16 Days of Activism, permitting the display of the orange ribbons along North Roosevelt until 10 December.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to support the work by wearing orange during the 16 Days, helping to end violence against women, and eliminating the detrimental consequences it has on the well-being of the Key West community. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence against women, please call the Domestic Abuse Shelter 24-Hour Hotline at 305-743-4440 or text 305-240-0105.

Our membership spans the globe and this year for the 16 Days of Activism, we want to turn our world orange to show that we stand in solidarity and will not back down in our fight to say NO to violence against women.

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread violation of human rights. Preventing and ending gender-based violence requires knowledge of the issues. What is the most prevalent form of gender-based violence where you live? What is being done to address the issue? Research gender-based violence in your local community, state/province or country, and share what you learn. Provide links for others to take action or engage community members, family and friends in a discussion to come up with your own ideas for solutions. Get the facts and find links to additional resources.

The Zonta Club of Dendermonde, Belgium distributed 1,000 face masks with the “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” logos. Municipalities, companies and many sympathizers and Zonta club members wear this mouth mask to make a statement against violence against women on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

As Zontians, we envision a world where no woman or girl lives in fear of violence. Together, we take a stand and say NO to gender-based violence. Learn more about how our leaders and members are taking action to end gender-based violence. Join us these next 16 days to learn more about this violation of human rights and how you too can say NO!

The Zonta Club of Birmingham began its annual Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign with a billboard on I-65. For eight weeks, it will publicize that women can get help by calling 1-800-799-7233.

This is a project of particular importance in the Birmingham area because domestic violence shelters have been challenged to provide a safe place to those abused, while also protecting against COVID-19. The club is dedicated to assisting the YWCA of Central Alabama with their efforts to address this problem that affects one in three women.

Lauren Thompson, director of domestic violence services at the YWCA Central Alabama, said facilities are pushed to the limit. Housing is full because clients who desperately need to get out of a situation have to be isolated from Coronavirus and cannot share a room with someone who might be contagious. Hotels are filling the void.