The Zonta Club of Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Nueva Vizcaya South, led by President Romano M. Martillana, hosted a forum on online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), online sexual abuse and exploitation materials (OSAEM), and the law on early marriage, as part of Bambang National High School’s Women’s Month celebration.

The forum aligned with the school’s theme, “Guidance Symposium for the ARAL OF FERSON Project 4.0,” proposed by School Guidance Counselor III Jannette V. Calata, RGC, RPm. The event aimed to raise awareness and strengthen legal understanding among students regarding these urgent issues.

Club President, Attorney May-Ann M. Beting-Pilpil, opened the session by introducing Zonta’s mission and providing an overview of OSAEC, OSAEM and early marriage laws. She stressed the importance of awareness and legal knowledge in protecting children and young people from online exploitation and forced marriage.

Prosecutor Wendell Bautista of the Rotary Club of Nueva Vizcaya South deepened the discussion with an in-depth legal analysis, highlighting severe penalties for offenders and the legal safeguards in place for victims.

The forum clarified key points of the law for participants. Under the Anti-Child Pornography Act (RA 9775) and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208, as amended), OSAEC includes crimes such as live-streamed abuse, grooming, and trafficking of minors. OSAEM pertains to digital materials depicting child sexual abuse, strictly prohibited under the Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175) and the Anti-Child Pornography Act.

Additionally, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Law (RA 11596) criminalizes the arrangement, facilitation, or solemnization of marriages involving minors under 18 years old, protecting children—particularly girls—from early pregnancies, interrupted education, and limited future opportunities.

Prosecutor Bautista underscored the legal consequences for violators and the rights available to victims, emphasizing the need for vigilance and community action to prevent such crimes.

The forum was part of the club’s MEN’s Initiative to End Violence Against Women (MIND VAW) campaign, which actively engages men and boys in eliminating gender-based violence. The students’ enthusiastic participation reflected their eagerness to understand their rights and responsibilities.

On 8 March, International Women’s Day, Zonta Club of Punta del Este-Maldonado, Uruguay, in partnership with the local government of Maldonado, hosted a meeting to exchange ideas on the situation of violence against women in the country.

The event featured prominent speakers, including Dr. Beatriz Argimón, the first woman elected Vice President of Uruguay; journalist Mónica Bottero, former Director of the National Women’s Institute; Departmental Police Director Nancy Amaral; and Zonta member Dr. Elba Pereyra, all recognized experts in gender violence. Each speaker declared, “Zonta says no to violence against women,” and called for a societal shift to reject the cultural norms that continue to justify violence. They also emphasized the urgent need to demand the enforcement of laws that prevent violence, protect victims and punish perpetrators of gender-based violence.

The speakers outlined the devastating impact violence has on women and families and stressed that such violence is unacceptable. They further explained the country’s legal framework and the protective measures judges can implement to safeguard victims’ lives.

The event drew a large audience, and one male attendee remarked that he was deeply moved by the discussion, acknowledging that he had been unaware of many of the issues raised and would take time to reflect on what he had learned.

Local media outlets covered the event, helping to raise visibility for Zonta and its advocacy efforts within the community.

In celebration of Women’s Month, the Zonta Club of Makati and Environs, Philippines, held a powerful forum on 26 March at Don Bosco Technological, Vocational, and Educational Training (TVET) Center in Tondo, Manila, focusing on the urgent issue of Violence Against Women.

The event gathered approximately 700 students and began with a thought-provoking documentary on gender-based violence, followed by a dynamic town hall discussion led by Dr. Sylvia Claudio, Ph.D., an expert in Psychology and Women’s Studies, and Attorney Ina Magpale, a prominent lawyer and host of Wanted sa Radyo. The two speakers offered deep insights into the psychological, legal, and social aspects of violence against women.

The interactive format encouraged open dialogue, with students actively engaging, asking questions, and sharing their perspectives and experiences. The event fostered an inclusive environment that empowered attendees to take part in the conversation and be part of the solution.

The afternoon concluded with a communal meal provided by McDonald’s, bringing students and staff together in a moment of reflection and solidarity.

Through initiatives like this, the club continues to raise awareness, promote gender equality and inspire youth to take action against violence and inequality in their communities.

In celebration of Orange Week, the Z Club of Langub National High School, in collaboration with its sponsor, the Zonta Club of Davao City II, Philippines, took a stand against gender-based violence, domestic violence and child marriage.

Students wore orange t-shirts emblazoned with “Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women”, carrying posters that called for an end to gender-based violence and a safer future for women and girls.

Z Club Adviser Miss Jaremiah announced plans for an upcoming symposium on early marriage, different forms of violence, and cyberbullying, aiming to educate students, raise awareness and empower action. The initiative will include a collaboration between Zonta members, women in uniform and the local community, fostering efforts toward a violence-free society.

The Zonta Club of Davao City II, Philippines, energized the community with a Zumba event, joining the NCCC VP Zumba community to promote the Zonta Says NO to Violence campaign during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Participants dressed in orange, symbolizing solidarity in the fight against violence against women and girls.

Beyond the high-energy dance session, Zontian Ruth Castillones, a police officer, led a discussion on the different forms and nature of violence, empowering participants with the knowledge to advocate for women’s rights and prevention strategies.

Adding to the celebration, attendees received goodies from Oishi O Wow, along with Zonta bags, Weshee goodie bags, calendars and t-shirts. Special prizes were awarded for best attire and dance moves, making the event both informative and engaging.

Zonta District 17 Area 1 launched its participation in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a UN-backed campaign raising awareness of women’s rights violations and gender inequality. The global movement drives impactful advocacy to end violence against women.

On 24 November, the district kicked off its campaign with the Zonta Says NO Women’s Walk at 7 a.m., with participants starting from two locations—Ugong Norte Barangay Hall on Temple Drive and Gate 4, Camp Aguinaldo—before converging at the People Power Monument along EDSA.

Adding to the momentum, OLGC Golden Z Club, sponsored by Zonta Club of Mandaluyong-San Juan I, Philippines, ignited the Zonta Spirit with their powerful “Zonta Chant,” condemning gender-based violence, sexual abuse, rape, harassment, child marriage, teenage pregnancy and human trafficking.

With 16 participating clubs, Zonta District 17 Area 1 successfully demonstrated its commitment to advocacy and action, reinforcing Zonta’s global mission to eliminate violence against women and promote gender equality.