We envision a world where all women and girls are free from violence

Dear Zonta members and Friends,

Like you, I envision a world where: All women live without fear of domestic violence and being attacked by strangers and harassed by male colleagues at their workplace; women are protected against rape in situations of conflict; girls can be girls and are not forced into a union that is called marriage; and displaced vulnerable women and girls can focus on building resilience.

Zonta International is working toward making this a reality.

Zonta Says No to Violence Against Women is our global campaign to get more people to not look away but to speak up and take action. Through a multitude of events, projects and advocacy efforts, Zonta clubs and members around the world are dedicated to ending gender-based violence.

On 25 November, we commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In my home country of Germany alone, clubs in more than 100 cities have committed to turning their towns orange—the color chosen by the United Nations to symbolize a brighter future free from violence and demonstrate global activism to fight this crime.

With our major international project to end child marriage—whose victims are mostly girls—Zonta addresses not only a humanitarian issue, but one that also negatively affects societies. When girls become brides and subsequently mothers, this often ends their education. We advocate for every girl to have the right to finish school.

I invite you to join us in raising awareness for the many forms of violence that threaten women and girls all over the world and in supporting activities that protect them and bring about changes in behaviors and cultures.

Cordially,

Susanne von Bassewitz
President
Zonta International and Zonta International Foundation