We say NO to violence against women and girls because children who grow up in homes where women are abused also suffer. Even when not physically harmed, they experience trauma that affects their mental health and relationships later in life.

Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the #16Days of Activism. We stand for a world where every woman and child can live free from fear and harm.

#ZontaSaysNO #ZontiansInAction #EndGenderBasedViolence

Every 10 minutes, partners and family members killed a woman or a girl intentionally in 2023. There is #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls. 

#16Days   #NoExcuse   #ACTtoEndViolence   #ZontaD4 

We say NO to violence against women and girls because children who witness or experience violence are more likely to repeat that cycle as adults.

We are taking action through the #ZontaSaysNO campaign, raising awareness, supporting survivors and advocating for stronger laws to end this cycle once and for all.

#ZontaSaysNO #EndGenderBasedViolence

We say NO to violence against women and girls because gender-based violence affects everyone, families, friends and entire communities.

Zontians work all year to prevent violence by promoting equality, supporting survivors, and advocating for safe and fair communities. Together, we turn awareness into action.

#ZontaSaysNO #ZontiansInAction #16Days

About half (51.1%) of female victims of rape reported being raped by an intimate partner in the US and 44% in Canada. 

#16Days #NoExcuse #ACTtoEndViolence #ZontaD4 

Source: NSVRC&Canada.ca GBV 

We say NO to violence against women and girls because gender-based violence affects health, safety and economies everywhere.

Zonta partners with global and local organizations to prevent violence, strengthen services for survivors and promote justice and equality.

#ZontaSaysNO #EndGenderBasedViolence #BuildABetterWorld

We say NO to violence against women and girls because it limits education, opportunity and independence.

Zonta helps girls stay in school to build brighter, safer futures through international service projects funded by the Zonta Foundation for Women.

#ZontaSaysNO #EndChildMarriage #ZontiansInAction

Women are 27 times more likely to be abused online than men. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Violence Against Women in Digital Environments in 2024. 

Source: UN Women 

#16Days #NoExcuse #ACTtoEndViolence #ZontaD4

We say NO to violence against women and girls because many survivors do not feel safe in their own homes. Escaping abuse often means leaving everything behind, sometimes resulting in homelessness.

We advocate for community support to help women and children rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

#ZontaSaysNO #ZontiansInAction #16Days

We say NO to violence against women and girls because less than 40% of survivors seek help.

Zontians raise awareness, advocate for better support systems and help ensure women everywhere can access the care and justice they deserve.

#ZontaSaysNO #ZontiansInAction #16Days

Human trafficking has many forms: forced marriage, sexual exploitation, forced labor, organ removal… 

#endhumantrafficking 

#16Days #NoExcuse #ACTtoEndViolence #ZontaD4 

We say NO to violence against women and girls because women in public life, such as leaders, journalists and activists, face harassment and threats simply because of their gender.

Zonta empowers women leaders through education programs, encouraging more women to lead with confidence and courage.

#ZontaSaysNO #WomenInLeadership #ZontiansInAction

We say NO to violence against women and girls because too many of us stay silent.

Invite a man in your life to join the Zonta Says NO Summit on 10 December 2025. This year’s theme focuses on the role of male allies in ending gender-based violence and building safer communities. Learn more at www.zontasaysno.com.

#ZontaSaysNO #MaleAllies #ZontaSaysNOSummit

Digital tools are increasingly being used to stalk, harass and abuse women and girls 

#16Days #NoExcuse #ACTtoEndViolence #ZontaD4

We say NO to violence against women and girls because we want to break the cycle of violence.

We want to teach young advocates to build a violence-free future. Zonta supports youth leadership through Z and Golden Z Clubs, empowering young people to promote respect, empathy and equality in their schools and communities.

#ZontaSaysNO #ZClub #GoldenZClub #ZontiansInAction

We say NO to violence against women and girls because everyone deserves safety and support.

Zontians work with local organizations and advocacy programs to make sure survivors can find help, healing and hope.

#ZontaSaysNO #ZontiansInAction #EndGenderBasedViolence

View men not only as perpetrators or possible offenders, but as empowered 

bystanders who can confront abusive peers. 

#16Days #NoExcuse #ACTtoEndViolence #ZontaD4 

We say NO to violence against women and girls because gender-based violence blocks equality.

Together, we can create communities based on equality and respect.

#ZontaSaysNO #MaleAllies #ZontiansInAction

36 years ago in 1989 the Montreal Massacre occurred when a man killed 14 young women at Polytechnique Montreal in an act of violent misogyny (injured 14 others). 

Geneviève Bergeron Hélène Colgan Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault 

Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair 

Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault 

Annie Turcotte, Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz 

#16Days #NoExcuse #ACTtoEndViolence #ZontaD4 

We say NO to violence against women and girls because true change begins with understanding and action.

Join us on 10 December for the Zonta Says NO Summit, where Zontians and allies will discuss the power of male allyship in ending violence and building equality. Learn more at www.zontasaysno.com.

#ZontaSaysNO #MaleAllies #ZontaSaysNOSummit

In 8 out of 10 households, women and girls are responsible for fetching water. In times of prolonged drought, women and girls have to travel further for food and water which make them more vulnerable to sexual assault. 

#ZontaSaysNow 

#16Days #NoExcuse #ACTtoEndViolence #ZontaD4 

We say NO to violence against women and girls. Gender equality needs everyone’s participation.

Men are not just observers; they are partners in prevention. By working together, we can build safer, fairer communities for all.

#ZontaSaysNO #ZontiansInAction #16Days #MaleAllies

We say NO to violence against women and girls because climate crisis is also a human rights issue.

Zonta supports climate justice through the Climate Empower project with UNFPA, empowering women in Madagascar, Mozambique and South Sudan to lead solutions and protect their communities.

#ZontaSaysNO #ClimateJustice #ZontiansInAction #UNFPA

Over 90% of homeless women in the U.S. have experienced severe 

physical or sexual violence in their lives 

#16Days #NoExcuse #ACTtoEndViolence #ZontaD4 

We say NO to violence against women and girls because everyone deserves to feel safe—at home, at work and in public.

Zontians around the world are working to make communities safer through awareness, education and advocacy. Join us in celebrating Human Rights Day, a reminder that women’s rights are human rights.

#ZontaSaysNO #HumanRightsDay #BuildABetterWorld