Zonta Club Riverside

In just 60 days, the world will mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign running from 25 November—the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—through 10 December, Human Rights Day. Originating in 1991, the campaign unites individuals, communities, and organizations in calling for an end to violence against women and girls, while also addressing broader issues of gender-based violence affecting all people.

The 16 Days are not just symbolic; they are a concentrated period of global solidarity, advocacy, and action. By using the weeks ahead to mobilize resources, share stories, and engage allies, we can ensure that when 25 November arrives, our collective voice will be louder, our message clearer, and our impact greater. The countdown has begun—let’s make every day count toward change.

This year, the UN has also made a major commitment — to acknowledge and advance efforts to end child marriage. While the first commitment was to end violence against women and girls, the second recognizes that child marriage is a critical barrier to girls’ safety, education, and rights. Ending it requires legal reforms, community engagement, and support for girls’ education and economic opportunities.

For California and the Zonta Club of Riverside, this means aligning advocacy with both campaigns: supporting legislation and policies that protect survivors of violence and that prevent child marriage, while engaging communities through education, awareness, and partnerships with local organizations. It’s an opportunity to strengthen both gender equality and girls’ rights in their region.

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Zonta Club Volunteers Pack Care Bags for Meals on Wheels Seniors The Riverside service organization filled the bags with personal care items and notes of encouragement for homebound residents.

The Zonta International birthing kit project is a vital global health initiative dedicated to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in underserved regions. Originating in Australia in 1999, the concept was inspired by Dr. Joy O'Hazy and initially championed by the Zonta Club of Adelaide Hills. Because the program scaled so significantly, it evolved into the independent Birthing Kit Foundation Australia (now known as KIT International) in 2006.

Each kit is packed into a small, biodegradable zip-lock bag and contains six simple, sterile items: a plastic sheet, soap, gloves, cord ties, gauze, and a sterile scalpel blade. Together, these materials target the six core principles of cleanliness during delivery. They provide a sanitary environment for women who lack access to medical facilities or professional care, heavily lowering the risk of life-threatening postpartum infections like neonatal tetanus.

Supported by ongoing club fundraisers, Zonta members and volunteers gather during community "Assembly Days" to build these life-saving packages. Millions of kits have been distributed across dozens of developing countries, refugee camps, and conflict zones, ensuring millions of women experience a safer, more hygienic birth.

The Zonta Club of Riverside invites community volunteers to make a global impact locally.

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, the club is hosting a Birthing Kit Assembly Day at the SSgt. Salvador J. Lara Casa Blanca Library. Volunteers will work together to pack sterile, life-saving supplies for women in developing nations. Whether you can spare an hour or the whole day, your hands help ensure safe, hygienic childbirths worldwide.

or if you like to donate to the Zonta club of Riverside to help fund our project, donate here...https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/organizations/zonta-club-of-riverside-charitable-and-educational-fund

The International Day of Peace, observed every year on September 21, is a United Nations–sanctioned day dedicated to promoting harmony, compassion, and the absence of violence. In 2026, the theme is “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”, emphasizing that peace is not just a lofty ideal but a daily commitment that requires action from individuals, communities, and nations alike.

This year’s observance comes at a time when the world faces significant challenges — from geopolitical tensions to climate-related crises. The day serves as a reminder that peace is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equality, and mutual respect. Around the globe, events such as peace walks, intercultural dialogues, educational workshops, and moments of silence will unite people in a shared vision for a better future.

The UN encourages everyone to take small but meaningful steps toward peace — whether by resolving conflicts peacefully, supporting humanitarian efforts, or fostering understanding across cultural divides. On September 21, 2026, the call is clear: peace is an investment that benefits all, and it begins with each of us choosing empathy, cooperation, and kindness every single day.

Girls in Aviation Day — September 17th

Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) is a free, annual international event hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI) chapters and corporate members, designed to inspire youth ages 8–18 to explore careers in aviation and aerospace.

While the 2026 date is September 19, the event is traditionally held on the third Saturday in September, making September 17 a common year for celebration.
GIAD offers a full day of hands-on STEAM activities, aircraft walk-arounds, flight simulators, career panels with women in aviation, and GIAD Activity Kits filled with resources like aviation magazines, sectional charts, and career guides. The day is open to all, regardless of gender, and encourages participation from parents, teachers, and mentors.

The event’s purpose is to break down barriers in a field where women remain underrepresented, especially in senior leadership and technical roles. By showcasing role models such as early female aviators and modern pioneers like Dr. Sally Ride and Eileen Collins, GIAD connects young people to real-world opportunities in flying, engineering, and space exploration.

For those interested, local chapters host events worldwide, and kits can be purchased online for $15 if not available at the event. The free Aviation for Girls app also provides year-round STEM content, scholarships, and career guidance.

In short, Girls in Aviation Day on September 17th is a celebration of aviation’s potential for everyone, a day to spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to the skies.

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FBI Director Kash Patel says the bureau has located more than 11,000 child victims and arrested over 5,000 child predators and human traffickers while violent crime continues to fall nationwide. The FBI reported a 9.3% drop in violent crime in 2025 — the largest annual decline since national estimates began in 1936.

Read More: https://wabcradio.com/2026/09/15/fbi-saves-11000-kids-from-predators/

Photo via Reuters