16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
25 November–10 December
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
The campaign begins on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concludes on 10 December, Human Rights Day. These dates reinforce a fundamental truth: women’s rights are human rights, and living free from violence is a human right.
Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women
During the 16 Days of Activism, Zonta clubs and districts participate in Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women, Zonta International’s signature campaign to raise awareness of gender-based violence and advocate for meaningful change.
Zonta envisions a world in which no woman lives in fear of violence. Through education, service and advocacy, Zonta members work to:
Increase awareness of domestic and sexual violence.
Support survivors and the organizations serving them.
Advocate for effective laws, policies and enforcement.
Address child marriage, human trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
Challenge attitudes and behaviors that normalize violence.
Promote safe communities for women and girls.
Engage men, boys and community leaders as partners in prevention.
Take Action During the 16 Days
Zonta clubs and community members can participate by:
Wearing orange, the campaign’s internationally recognized color.
Illuminating buildings, bridges or community landmarks in orange.
Hosting educational programs, panel discussions or survivor-centered events.
Organizing walks, vigils or public awareness displays.
Collecting supplies or financial contributions for local service providers.
Sharing prevention resources and survivor-support information.
Asking local governments to issue proclamations or strengthen protective policies.
Promoting the Zonta Says NO campaign through traditional and social media.
Reviewing local laws and policies to identify gaps affecting survivors.
Partnering with domestic-violence programs, schools, businesses and civic organizations.
Support Is Available
Anyone experiencing abuse deserves to be heard, believed and supported. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
In the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available around the clock:
Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text START to 88788
Visit thehotline.org
For safety, use a secure device when seeking help if your internet activity may be monitored.
From Awareness to Action
Ending gender-based violence requires more than 16 days. It requires sustained education, survivor-centered services, responsible laws and a collective commitment to changing the conditions that allow violence to continue.
Zonta District 3 invites individuals, clubs and community partners to stand with us—not only from 25 November through 10 December, but every day—as we say NO to violence against women and girls.