Throughout Days 7 to 10 of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, carried out a series of legal, educational and international advocacy initiatives, strengthening its mission to protect women and children from violence in both physical and digital spaces.

Day 7: Digital Safety and Cybercrime Awareness in Mallig
On 1 December, the club held a legal symposium in Mallig focused on the growing threat of online violence against women and children. Zontian and legal expert Attorney Cheryl Canapi-Malana led an in-depth lecture on cybercrime laws, including online harassment and libel, digital sexual violence and safe internet practices for minors.
The program highlighted how existing laws can be used to prosecute perpetrators of digital abuse. Club members thanked Mayor Jose Philip “JP” Calderon and local officials for their support, noting that community legal knowledge is a crucial defense against gender-based violence.

Day 8: Global Advocacy Through the ARTA Caravan in Tokyo
On 2 December, the club extended its #ZontaSaysNO campaign internationally as Zontians Attorney Jenny Flor Manantan-Cabaddu, Attorney Karla Louise Agbayani and Attorney Analou Villeza, also members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Isabela Chapter, provided free legal services at the Philippine ARTA Caravan in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo.
The ARTA Caravan brings government services to Filipinos abroad, reinforcing the connection between gender-based violence and bureaucratic barriers that can hinder survivors seeking justice. The club emphasized that both GBV and red tape are global issues requiring an efficient institutional response to ensure women can access timely support.

Day 9: Envisioning a Violence-Free Future in Roxas, Isabela
The Zonta Club of Isabela dedicated 3 December to envisioning long-term strategies for a VAW-free community. Vice Mayor Lourdes Panganiban of Angadanan delivered a lecture titled “Beyond the Horizon (Ending Violence Against Women)” to personnel of the LGU of Roxas.
The discussion covered survivor-centered recovery, community-wide prevention planning, sustainable livelihood support for women and the importance of listening to survivors as a foundation for effective governance. The club praised LGU Roxas for its commitment to future-focused anti-violence strategies as part of its ongoing 18-day VAW campaign.

Day 10: Listening to Youth Needs at Alicia Vocational School
On 4 December, the club held a comprehensive legal and health symposium at Alicia Vocational School, focusing on the protection of youth.
The Municipal Health Office addressed teenage pregnancy; Zonta Club of Isabela Vice President Judge Ramorelia Lodriguito-Caranay covered laws on online sexual exploitation (RA 11930) and safe spaces (RA 11313); and Retired Judge Lornabeth Ucol discussed privacy protection under RA 9995.
The club recognized the Municipality of Alicia for its strong cooperation and thanked Zontian Aida Pallagud Alejandro, wife of Mayor Joel Amos, for serving as host and partner in ensuring youth safety and empowerment.

Every year, the Zonta Club of Port Macquarie Inc, Australia, sponsors the Nautilus College Student of the Year shield. This year, the club called on men and boys to speak up, take responsibility and stand as allies in the fight against gender-based violence.

The Zonta club highlighted the shared values between the club and Nautilus College, including community, friendship, equality, inclusion, respect and integrity.

On 25 November, the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, the Zonta Club of Dhaka II, Bangladesh, conducted an advocacy visit to a local school in Savar to raise awareness about early marriage and cyberbullying.

Students, teachers and several Rotary members attended the session, which featured interactive discussions on the physical, emotional and educational harms of early marriage, as well as the importance of staying in school and making informed decisions. Speakers also addressed the rise of cyberbullying, encouraging safe internet practices, responsible online behavior and seeking trusted help when facing digital harassment.

As part of the outreach effort, the club donated essential health and hygiene supplies to the school, including a water purifier for safe drinking water, sanitary products to support menstrual hygiene and liquid toiletries to improve cleanliness on campus.

School officials and students expressed strong appreciation for the awareness session and the donated items, noting that the program significantly supported their health and well-being. The participation of Rotary members underscored a shared commitment to community development and youth empowerment.

The visit strengthened the club’s ongoing partnership with the school and reinforced its mission to promote a safer, healthier and more informed learning environment.

The Zonta Club of Lafayette, USA, along with its Golden Z club, created a chalk mural to spread awareness of Zonta Says NO and its club.

Two mid-Missouri groups are partnering up to advocate against violence for the next 16 days.

The Missouri Capitol Police and the Zonta Club of Jefferson City joined the Zonta International campaign to raise awareness of violence against women.

Over the course of Zonta’s next 16 Days of Activism, local officers will join in promoting the theme “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women.”

According to a press release, one in three women around the world have been subjected to physical or intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence or both at least once in their lives.

That’s approximately 736 million women globally.

Police acknowledged that not only does this cause significant emotional and physical damage to the women and girls affected, but also their families, communities and countries.

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