Globally, 21% of girls are married before they turn 18, robbing them of their childhood. Each year, another 12 million girls under the age of 18 are married around the world. Child marriage is globally recognized as a harmful practice and a human rights violation. However, despite laws against it, the practice remains widespread and…

Issued on: October 1, 2020 All Americans deserve a life free from the threat of physical and psychological harm.  Tragically, far too many Americans are deprived of this right by perpetrators of domestic violence.  During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we offer our support to the victims and survivors of this unacceptable atrocity and reaffirm our…

OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS –  On July 30, Zonta International encourages its members throughout the world to promote activities to recognize the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in a resolution adopted in 2013. The day was established to raise awareness of the plight of human trafficking…

Women and girls today are at an alarming risk of violence in almost every space-at school and work, in the home and community, and even online. All of these have physical, psychological and social consequences. Education has been shown to have a largely positive impact on reducing gender-based violence. Women with at least a secondary-level…

Zonta believes education has the power to save and improve the lives of women and girls, which leads to healthier families and stronger communities. Through our international service projects, Zonta International is working to end gender-based violence (GBV) and bring education to women and girls in 16 countries. We empower adolescent girls. Adolescents, especially girls,…

I say NO to Violence Against Women! I am greatly encouraged by the fact that even in such challenging times, Zonta has not backed down from our efforts to stand against gender-based violence. Even though our traditional advocacy actions may not take place this year, we cannot waver from our mission, especially now. As the…

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread violation of human rights. Preventing and ending gender-based violence requires knowledge of the issues. What is the most prevalent form of gender-based violence where you live? What is being done to address the issue? Research gender-based violence in your local community, state/province or country,…

The “Shoe Display” was Zonta SCV’s first activity for 16 Days of Activism in 2014. Each pair of shoes represented a call made to the local sheriff’s office reporting instances of domestic violence. They were predominantly women’s and children’s shoes. The red shoes represented those who died as a result of domestic violence. The shoes…

The girls at greatest risk of early marriage are often those hardest to reach. They come from poor families, marginalized groups or rural areas. They are also more likely to be out of school than their unmarried peers, robbed of the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential. Child marriage can lead to further isolation…

Zonta International’s “16 days of Activism” is held annually from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10. Since 2016, Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley has participated in the annual “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women” campaign in collaboration with the Child and Family Center. To bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence in our…