Zonta International commemorates International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2022

One of the most widespread and persistent human rights violations in our world today, violence against women and girls (VAWG), appears in physical, sexual and psychological forms including intimate partner violence, sexual violence and harassment, child marriage, human trafficking, and female genital mutilation.

On 25 November, Zonta International commemorates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and kicks off its Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

"Zonta envisions a world where no woman lives in fear of violence. Through the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, our members and allies stand together, uniting our voices to advocate for all those who have suffered gender-based violence," said Zonta International President Ute Scholz. "Zonta is needed now, more than ever, to continue its work to end violence and build a better world for women and girls."

Each year during the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence (25 November – 10 December), Zonta International encourages its clubs and members to join the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign and take local, national and international actions to influence the making and implementation of laws, as well as changing gender-based attitudes and behaviors to end violence against women.

According to a UN Women report, since the pandemic began, 45% of women reported that they or a woman they know has experienced a form of VAWG; seven in 10 women said they think that verbal or physical abuse by a partner has become more common; and six in 10 felt that sexual harassment in public spaces has worsened.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Zonta calls on its members to advocate for ending gender-based violence and participate in Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women. Share your story with us and use the hashtag #ZontaSaysNO on social media.

Together, Zonta International can help eliminate gender-based violence and build a better world for women and girls.

25 NOVEMBER 2022