2022-11-07

Zonta Says No

November 25 starts 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, which is a 16-day long campaign to draw attention to violence against women and girls. We Zontas participate every year all over the world through Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women. But why exactly from November 25 to December 10?

The start date of November 25 is called orange day and is the one instituted by the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The campaign is also supported by the UN and it ends on December 10 at International Human Rights Day. The purpose of the campaign is to draw attention and engage everyone around the world against violence against women and girls. Through the campaign, the whole world is invited to take a stand and demonstrate against violence against women.

Orange is the common color for all activities done in this matter. It has been chosen as a bright and optimistic color. All over the world and in Sweden, buildings are lit up in orange, people wear something orange and get involved by organizing events and demonstrations - all to draw attention to and create a commitment to violence against women and girls. This year, the energy crisis will likely mean that many buildings will not be lit up as in previous years. But some of it will be certain and we zontors will contribute to lighting up the cities in a different way.

At this time of year, zonta clubs from north to south do common cause to give voice to women's and girls' right to a life free from violence in different ways. Many clubs are now planning for various events. There will be ribbons on bridges and in trees, exhibited shoes symbolizing women who have reported being subjected to violence in 2021. There will be shop windows with different themes, fashion shows and demonstrations, mailers, book tables in libraries and statues dressed in orange scarves and hat.

For us Zontas, the Zonta Says No campaign is one of the most important times of the year. Then we demonstrate to build a better world for women and girls.

Carin Maxson, chairman of the Committee for impact and supporting efforts