Zonta is an international service organization founded in November of 1919 by a small group of women with a vision to help all women realize greater equality while using their individual and collective expertise in service to their communities. With over 27,000 members in 1,133 clubs throughout 62 countries, Zonta envisions a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to achieve her full potential. In such a world, women have access to all resources and are represented in decision making positions on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.
Launched in 2012, Zonta Says NO! has continued to raise awareness to the global epidemic of women’s rights violations and has united Zonta clubs around the world in conducting impactful advocacy actions to fight violence against women and gender inequality. From November 25 (International End Violence against Women Day) through December 10 (International Human Rights Day), the annual call goes out from over 3700 participating organizations in 170 countries to eliminate all forms of violence against women. The United Nations UNiTE Campaign is one of these, selecting orange as a bright and optimistic color, representing a future free from violence against women and girls.
During the 16 Days of Zonta Says NO! follow local and club social media for information about violence against women and watch for orange lighting Zonta Says NO! signs throughout our community!