If it is all about visibility and advocacy, Jessica Thamm reckons orange does the cause justice. In the run-up to 25 November, Jessica’s club, the Zonta Club of Bielefeld, picked a spot, or two, got some lights sorted, chilled the wine, and made sure that everyone around them knew they would be “oranging” Bielefeld, Germany. It worked.

An otherwise organized mini-demonstration ended at the Hermann Stenner Kunstforum where the club was “oranging” everything up in orange light. Members united as one to say NO to violence against women and girls.

“If people haven’t seen us, Zonta, yet, it is because they were either asleep or had their eyes closed. The awareness we strive for has no end. It is a constant. It is something to be proud of,” Jessica said. “And we are channeling our energy and time and dedication for a cause that will never stop needing us for as long as there is violence against women and girls.”

The members are proud to be in District 29 and found great pleasure in the beauty of all the orange spots dotted around their district and in Area 5.

“Women who have the spirit to join forces for the cause are – if you like – to some extent invincible,” Jessica said. “Zonta says NO. The Zonta Club of Bielefeld says NO. With no end in sight.”

The weekend leading up to the kick off of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Mitchell, District 23, held their inaugural community art and craft show to showcase works completed by members.

Money raised will go toward funding Zonta service projects. The event also served as a platform to display projects and provide information to the public about Zonta International in its Centennial year.

On 28 November, members of the Zonta Club of Mitchell participated in the inaugural Walk Against Violence in Kilmore, Victoria, Australia. The club initiated the walk and members were proud of the community support they received. Police, the local hospital, and many men advocated to call out violence against women and the local Shire were well represented.

On 23 November, the Zonta Club of Berlin, District 27, informed community members about support for women affected by violence in Germany and especially in Berlin at the Schönhauser Allee Arcaden shopping centre.

Zontians distributed bags with the slogan “Gewalt kommt nicht in die Tüte!” or “Violence is completely out of the question!” The bags also contained informational material.