In a spirited display of advocacy and unity, the Zonta Club of Fairfax County, VA, USA, participated in a coordinated postcard campaign in support of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) during their annual holiday gathering in December 2024.

Longtime supporters of the ERA, the club first rallied behind the amendment when the ERA bus toured Virginia—a pivotal moment that helped make the state the 38th and final state needed to ratify the amendment in 2020. Believing that all legal requirements to enact the ERA had been met, members decided to write personalized postcards to President Joe Biden, urging him to instruct the Archivist of the United States to formally publish the ERA as the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The postcard-writing initiative was done in collaboration with the ERA Coalition, aligning with nationwide efforts to send a unified message to the White House. Members came prepared with postcards in hand and heartfelt messages advocating for gender equality and constitutional recognition of women’s rights.

In a significant development, just three days before the end of his term, President Biden announced that the Equal Rights Amendment is the “law of the land”—recognizing it as the 28th Amendment to the Constitution. While advocates acknowledge that the fight for full implementation and legal recognition continues, Zonta members celebrated this milestone as a meaningful result of sustained pressure and coalition-based advocacy.

The Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, continues to advance its mission through powerful advocacy by taking part in the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women and Early Child Marriage Debate and Advocacy Program. As part of the initiative, a certificate ceremony was held to recognize the participants, with certificates presented by Zonta International Governor Dr. Zareen Delawar—adding honor and visibility to the program.

Complementing this advocacy, the club also held fundraising efforts featuring the sale of handmade items, with proceeds directed toward improving educational access for disadvantaged schoolchildren. These initiatives reflect the club’s dedication to both protecting girls’ rights and nurturing their futures through learning opportunities.

“Together, we continue to make a difference,” the club proclaims as it strengthens its focus on advocacy and tangible community impact.

On 29 November Z and Youth Club District 25 Chair Nasreen Khan successfully led an advocacy program where members of the Z and Youth Club created a collaborative painting. The artwork was auctioned during the event, with proceeds directed to Shishu Bikash Kendra to support the education and development of underprivileged children.

In a continuation of their efforts, the club launched an English learning class at Shishu Bikash Kendra, held every Saturday. Students from the Z and Youth Club of the Zonta Club of Dhaka III, Bangladesh, are conducting the classes, aiming to enhance the skills and confidence of the children. During the sessions, students also shared their dreams for the future, highlighting the impact of education and mentorship in building a better world for the next generation.

For the first time in Philippine history, indigenous women from Mindanao courageously came together to break the silence on child marriage during a groundbreaking public forum. This event marked a pivotal moment in amplifying the voices of women and communities long affected by this harmful practice.

The forum highlighted the December 2023 law prohibiting marriage and cohabitation for individuals aged 17 and below. However, discussions revealed that child marriage continues to persist, not only in rural and Muslim communities but also in subtle practices, such as fundraising events that commodify girls, often leading them to marriages with men twice or thrice their age.

In partnership with Lalang Hu Mga Laga and the Zonta Club of Metro Greenhills, Philippines, the forum featured firsthand accounts from Mindanaoan women, whose testimonies shed light on the realities and struggles of child brides. Representatives from various sectors offered reflections and reactions, fostering a deep and meaningful dialogue.

Child marriage was strongly condemned for depriving children of their education, freedom and opportunity to dream. The discussions culminated in a compelling call to action, urging systemic change through education. This included educating not just girls, but also boys, parents, and entire communities, to reshape mindsets, practices, and cultures.

The club gives thanks to Zonta e-Club of the Philippines III for partnering for online livestreaming of the forum via Zoom. Donors for roll out projects of Lalang Hu Mga Laga to include Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II, Manila I and Marikina.

What began as a platform to share struggles transformed into a celebration of courage, unity and hope. This forum stands as a testament to the resilience and power of women working together to pave the way for a future free from the shackles of child marriage.

“San Pedro Says NO” is a powerful community-driven solidarity campaign based in San Pedro City, Laguna, uniting mothers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers in a collective stand against Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).

This grassroots initiative brings together women from all walks of life, particularly focusing on mothers and expectant mothers, to raise awareness about domestic violence and child abuse while building a supportive network within the community. The campaign emphasizes the unique perspective and role of mothers in protecting both themselves and their children from violence and abuse.

The campaign includes community awareness programs led by and for mothers, support networks for pregnant and breastfeeding women, educational sessions on women’s and children’s rights, resource sharing for domestic violence prevention and intervention and advocacy activities that promote safe and nurturing family environments.

The campaign exemplifies San Pedro City’s commitment to creating a violence-free community by empowering mothers as key advocates and change-makers in the fight against domestic violence and child abuse. Through this initiative, the city strengthens its stance on protecting its most vulnerable citizens while fostering a culture of mutual support and protection.

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.