advocacy

Zonta Club of Naga and Camarines Sur leads 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Zonta Club of Naga and Camarines Sur, Philippines, marked the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with a series of impactful activities focused on raising awareness of digital violence, the Bawal Bastos Law and other forms of violence against women and girls in workplaces, schools and communities.

The campaign began with a motorcade on 25 November 2024, featuring more than 20 vehicles traveling through major streets of Naga City to promote the advocacy and highlight upcoming events. To extend visibility, the club partnered with local wall ad spaces, sharing advocacy messages and promoting their culminating event on 10 December.

The grand culmination took place at Plaza Rizal with more than 200 participants and onlookers from across the city. The event opened with the UNC Glee Club’s performance of the national anthem, followed by welcome remarks from Zonta members. Attendees were treated to a vibrant mob singing and dance number by Zonta members and students dressed in orange, symbolizing a future free of violence. Performances also included spoken poetry by the Golden Z Club of Naga City High School and a presentation by Kilyab.

Representatives from various sectors of justice, law enforcement, media, education, and local government, including DOJ officials, RTC judges, PNP Women’s Desk officers, Girl Scouts, Golden Z and Z Clubs and city officials joined the event. Special guests included Naga City Councilor Gayle Abonal Gomez, Archbishop Rex Alarcon and Former Vice President Leni Robredo, who delivered inspiring messages and pledged their support to end gender-based violence.

The program concluded with a candle lighting ceremony symbolizing solidarity against violence and a performance of “Heal the World,” affirming the community’s united stance for a safer, more equitable future.

Zonta Club of Colombo I Z and Youth Club leads powerful awareness campaigns

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The Zonta Club of Colombo I, Sri Lanka, Z and Youth Club, led by students from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, carried out impactful advocacy campaigns throughout the 2024–2025 term, promoting gender equality, public health and women’s empowerment.

In commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the club launched a compelling poster series to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV), aiming to educate the public and encourage dialogue on the issue.

To mark World AIDS Day, the club also created and shared a dedicated post series to dispel myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS, promoting fact-based understanding and compassion.

In March 2025, for International Women’s Day, the club rolled out an eight-day poster campaign focused on celebrating women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality.

Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao joins the RCAT-VAWC II second quarter meeting

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The Regional Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Their Children II (RCAT-VAWC II) convened its second-quarter meeting for 2025 on 17 June at Hotel Carmelita, Tuguegarao City. The meeting, attended by RCAT-VAWC members, aimed to review past resolutions and discuss new strategies addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in the region. Zonta Club of Central Tuguegarao, Philippines, with attending member Zontian Corinne Postrado Mamba, represents civil society organizations (CSOs) in the region. Its impactful campaign against gender-based violence is well-recognized by its partners in the government and private sectors.

Key highlights of the meeting included updates on gender-based violence cases provided by representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Justice (DOJ), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Offices (PSWDOs).

Among the key issues discussed were the establishment of temporary shelters for GBV survivors in first-class municipalities, localization of Republic Act 11930—the Anti-OSAEC and CSAEM Act—and promotion of the Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) program within workplaces.

The committee also reported on recent accomplishments during the National Women’s Month celebration and finalized the schedule for its next meeting.

The session adjourned with members reaffirming the committee’s commitment to strengthening protective measures and advocacy for women and children’s welfare in the region.

Zonta Club of Launceston Inc supports Metro Bus project

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Photo credit: Phillip Biggs

The Zonta Club of Launceston Inc, Australia, has helped bring a bold new domestic violence awareness campaign to the streets, funding a message on a Metro bus that reads, “Prevent the violence, stop the hidden abuse.”

Unveiled in June and set to run on all Launceston routes for six months, the initiative was led by the Launceston White Ribbon Committee and made possible through the club’s donation, with design support from Lomond Arthur Design.

“This message reminds people that what we see is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Zonta president and White Ribbon chair Carol Fuller. “It sticks with you — even if you don’t read it closely.”

Amid rising national concern and statistics showing that over one-third of Australian men have used intimate partner violence, advocates say cultural norms, gender stereotypes and everyday sexism continue to fuel abuse that often goes unseen.

“We need everyone to recognize and call out harmful behaviors,” said White Ribbon member Sallyann Geale. “What you walk by is what you accept — and we can choose to stop doing that.”

Zonta Club of Hualien II celebrates first anniversary with regional impact and global advocacy

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The Zonta Club of Hualien II, Taiwan, proudly marked its first anniversary after a year filled with growth, dedication and meaningful impact. Founded by Charter President Daisy Chen, the club has quickly grown from the ground up to become a vibrant and active Zonta presence in eastern Taiwan.

Over the past year, the club has overcome numerous challenges and continued to thrive. Through unwavering teamwork and shared purpose, it has attracted 51 committed members, establishing itself as one of the most dynamic new clubs in the region.

To celebrate this important milestone, members traveled to Busan, South Korea, where they gathered in sisterhood to reflect on their journey and achievements. Even while abroad, the club remained faithful to Zonta’s mission, launching creative advocacy activities to raise awareness of violence against women, in alignment with the “Zonta Says NO” campaign.

Earlier this year, the club also organized the region’s first anti-violence charity golf tournament, successfully increasing public awareness and elevating Zonta’s visibility in Taiwan. At the same time, its signature “Zonta Girls Shining Stars” scholarship program has taken root in the local community, empowering underprivileged girls to pursue their dreams with confidence. The initiative has received enthusiastic feedback from educators, families and community leaders alike.

The club remains committed to empowering women and girls through service, advocacy, and sustained educational support. As the club moves forward, it continues to shine brightly—locally and internationally—alongside the rising stars of its Zonta girls.

Zonta Club of Kathmandu says NO to violence against women and girls

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On 15 May, the Z and Golden Z Club members of the Zonta Club of Kathmandu, Nepal, held a dynamic talk program and workshop at S.M.S.H., focusing on gender equality and envisioning a better world by 2030.

The event, which drew 60 student participants, featured four speakers who led engaging discussions on the importance of gender equality in building a just and inclusive society.

The club is proud of the strong turnout and the students’ participation in this meaningful and impactful workshop.

Advocacy Awareness Program on gender-based violence against women

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The Zonta Club of Dhaka I, Bangladesh, recently conducted an impactful Advocacy Awareness Program at Uttara Ladies Club Abytanik School, engaging students in meaningful dialogue around gender-based violence and the importance of creating safe spaces.

The session, led by Zonta members Hosneara Idrish and Farhana Rahman, aimed to empower young people through education and awareness, encouraging them to recognize and challenge harmful societal norms.

Adding a powerful creative element to the program, students presented a thoughtful drama performance that deepened the conversation and reflected their understanding of the issues.

Empowering futures through education

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The Zonta Club of Dhaka IV, Bangladesh, hosted a successful parent-teacher meeting for sponsored students on 25 May, a meaningful initiative aimed at strengthening the support system for girls’ education.

During the event, students were encouraged to remain dedicated to their academic journey, with an emphasis on maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Club leaders shared that academic commitment not only opens doors to future opportunities but also builds a foundation for leadership and equality.

Parents were also urged to be active participants in their daughters’ education by offering consistent encouragement and support at home.

A highlight of the meeting was the formal handover of sponsorship funds for the first six months. Club President Naheed Shaheen, joined by past presidents and club members, led the ceremony—underscoring the club’s unwavering commitment to uplifting girls through education and access to opportunity.

‘BIDA BAYANI: Ambag Ko sa Bayan Ko’ marks three years with youth voter education forum, anti-trafficking help desk and Medical Mission

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St. Michael’s College of Laguna (SMCL), in partnership with the Zonta Club of Laguna, Philippines, continues to empower the next generation of leaders through its flagship voter education program “BIDA BAYANI: Ambag Ko sa Bayan Ko”, held recently at SMCL for both onsite students and online viewers.

Now in its third year, the forum emphasized the importance of responsible and informed voting, especially among first-time and young voters. It featured a panel of esteemed speakers, including Attorney Lorna Patajo-Capunan, former Zonta International District 17 Area 5 Director and a prominent lawyer in the Philippines; Marion Joseph Villar, Education Governance Program Officer at The Asia Foundation; and Jude Liao, Executive Director of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).

The initiative—organized in cooperation with the SMCL Foundation Inc., PPCRV, Z and Golden Z Clubs of SMCL and the Zonta club—encouraged students to scrutinize candidate platforms, verify credentials and avoid disinformation. Organizers emphasized that informed voting decisions can create a lasting, positive impact on communities and the democratic process.

Legal Help Desk for human trafficking victims launched

In a pioneering move for the Zonta Club of Laguna, the organization launched the Legally Zonta Help Desk—a first-of-its-kind initiative providing direct support and legal assistance for survivors of human trafficking and abuse.

The Help Desk serves as a confidential and secure resource center where victims can access legal guidance, counseling, and emergency assistance. Staffed by qualified legal professionals and counselors, the initiative bridges the gap between survivors and the services they need by integrating connections to local law enforcement, crisis centers and healthcare providers.

More than just a help desk, it is a vital lifeline and a commitment to ensure that survivors have access to justice and recovery.

‘Loving Embrace’ Medical Mission brings care to survivors

In another effort to support trafficking survivors, Zonta Club of Laguna, in collaboration with the MOB Foundation, JCI Damas De San Pedro, and the Congressional Office of Rep. Ann Matibag, conducted a one-day medical mission titled Loving Embrace at a shelter in Antipolo City.

Led by Dr. M. Borabien and Dr. C. Gacoba, the outreach program provided free medical consultations, cervical cancer vaccinations for female survivors, distribution of medicines, and preventive health education. Survivors also received care kits and participated in a day of fun and healing, which included entertainment, gift-giving and meals sponsored by Jollibee.

Zonta Club of Palermo Triscele honors students for anti-gender violence advocacy video

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The Zonta Club of Palermo Triscele, Italy, presented its Advocacy Award to the students and teachers of Margherita di Navarra School in Pioppo-Palermo for their impactful video clip titled “Come Stelle” (“Like Stars”), which raises awareness about gender-based violence.

The video highlights the various forms gender violence can take—both physical and psychological—and emphasizes the importance of awareness, prevention and support for survivors. The award recognizes the school’s commitment to educating youth and inspiring action against violence through creative expression.