In support of Zonta says NO to violence against women, members of the Zonta Club of Hualien II and Taoyuan, Taiwan, joined together in Japan to turn commitment into action by climbing Mount Fuji. This meaningful climb was led by Hualien II Club President Daisy Chen and Taoyuan Vice President Juliana Huang, who inspired members to embody Zonta’s mission through courage and teamwork.
Facing steep slopes and high altitude, the Zonta members tested the limits of endurance and resilience, but with determination, they conquered the climb together. The experience reflected the Zonta Spirit, showing that only by standing together we create a world where women live free from violence and fear.
At the same time, this journey strengthened the sisterhood between the two clubs. It became a lasting memory and a powerful reminder of why the clubs walk this path together.
Throughout July 2025, Zonta Club of Bangkok IX, Thailand, Club President Dr. Sunjutha Witchawut and club members visited Mahapruttaram Girls’ School, Visuttarangsi School and Phanomthuanchanupatham School to participate in activities with students. The programs included sports and a lecture on creating a happy society by ending violence in schools, among other initiatives.
On 6 August, Dr. Sunjutha met with the director and administrators of Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon to discuss potential future collaborations.
The Zonta Club of Hualien, Taiwan, led by Club President Peng Liping, recently visited Fuyuan Elementary School to donate funds for the school baseball team’s competition expenses and to promote the “Say No to Violence Against Women” campaign.
Children from families in remote rural areas face a higher risk of experiencing violence than those in cities. Using this donation as an opportunity, the club encouraged students to protect themselves and have the courage to say no to violence.
The club has long awarded the Zonta Scholarship, raising its profile in Taiwan and enabling underprivileged girls to confidently pursue their dreams. The program has been met with enthusiastic support from educators, families and community leaders.
Staying true to its mission, the Zonta club continues to carry out creative advocacy to raise public awareness of violence against women, while empowering women and girls through service, advocacy and ongoing educational support in alignment with the Zonta Says NO campaign.
The Zonta Club of Makati–Central Business District, Philippines, led by Chartered President Angelita “Lita” Lee, visited Tahanan Sta. Luisa, a crisis intervention center for girls, to spend time bonding with the children through laughter, stories and a shared lunch.
In support of the center’s needs and future activities, the club donated ₱50,000 as a gesture of its commitment to uplift and empower girls in crisis.
With a shared commitment to protect the most vulnerable, the Zonta e-Club of the Philippines III partnered with the International Justice Mission (IJM) and the City Government of Pasig, under the leadership of Mayor Vico Sotto, to conduct a 5-day multi-disciplinary team and basic internet crimes against children training.
Held in July 2025, the training was attended by 40 frontliners from various disciplines, including members of the Philippine National Police, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), city prosecutors and social workers. This diverse group of professionals came together with one goal: to strengthen Pasig City’s response to Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSEAC) and ensure coordinated, survivor-centered approaches in their work.
This impactful initiative was made possible through the strategic connection of club members to Mayor Vico Sotto, whose support played a key role in facilitating the program. Recognizing the importance of this endeavor, the Zonta club also sponsored the training kits for all participants, equipping them with essential materials to enhance their learning and application.
The training emphasized cross-sectoral collaboration, capacity building and proactive prevention strategies. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local government, civil society and international partners come together for a common cause.
On 25 November 2024, the Zonta Club of Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, joined fellow Area 5 clubs at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila, to kick off Zonta International’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence—a powerful display of solidarity, advocacy and community engagement.
The club contributed a dynamic and immersive experience through a film showing, interactive photo booth and symbolic wristband distribution—each element designed to deepen public understanding, inspire participation and amplify the campaign’s message.
The film screening served as a form of “educating through storytelling,” humanizing the mission while stimulating dialogue, building empathy and reaching wider audiences. The photo booth offered a tool for visual advocacy and social media amplification, creating memorable moments that foster community pride and extend the reach of the campaign online. Meanwhile, wristbands symbolized solidarity, creating a unified visual identity that sparked conversation and helped carry the campaign beyond the day’s event.
The Zonta Club of Bangkok IX, Thailand, led by District 17 Lt. Gov. Runcha Boribalburibhand, Club President Dr. Sunjutha Witchawut and club members, participated in a merit-making and fundraising event celebrating the 26th anniversary of the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women, a longstanding non-profit organization supporting vulnerable women and children.
As part of their continuous support since the club’s founding over 14 years ago, the club donated 100,000 Thai Baht, along with an additional 25,000 Thai Baht contribution from the president and club advisers.
According to data from the Pavena Foundation (www.pavenafoundation.or.th), the organization has handled 180,160 cases of complaints and assistance from 2000 to May 21, 2025. In 2024, the foundation recorded 5,647 cases, with 2,066 cases reported from January 2 to May 21, 2025, highlighting the sustained need for protective services.
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.
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.
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.
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