violence-against-women

Nurturing hope and hygiene: A heartwarming outreach for Aeta women and children

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On 7 December, the Zonta Club of Pampanga, Philippines, in partnership with Nanay Partylist, conducted a meaningful outreach event at Ayala Orchard for Aeta women and children as part of Zonta International’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The program began with the Zonta Prayer and Hymn led by Club President Gina Rosario Millan, who introduced the club’s mission and officers, emphasizing Zonta’s commitment to empowering women and girls. She also encouraged children to remember and share Zonta’s mission, rewarding their engagement with small gifts.

A highlight of the event was an educational session on hygiene led by Attorney Angeli Andan, who demonstrated proper brushing and bathing techniques, stressing the importance of daily self-care. Hygiene kits were then distributed to all participants, followed by warm bowls of lugaw and freshly baked bread.

The event was attended by club members including Vice President Lea Bais, Past Presidents Gilda Padua and Analiza Agbanglo and Dra. Elizabeth Canlas, Ethel Ocampo, Chartered President Elvira Sumadchat and Attorney Angeli Andan, along with Area Director Rowena Plan and Area Secretary Dolores de Quiros-Castillo, who traveled from Manila to show their support.

Zonta Club of Hualien II hosts women’s charity golf tournament to say NO to violence against women

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The Zonta Club of Hualien II, Taiwan, successfully hosted Hualien’s first women’s charity golf tournament, “Blooming Bright, Shining Zonta,” in support of the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign.

Held at the Hualien Golf Club, the event welcomed more than 60 female golfers, using golf as a powerful platform to promote unity, dignity and human rights for women. The tournament aimed to raise awareness of gender-based violence while amplifying the mission of Zonta International within the local community.

Thanks to the generosity of the Hualien Golf Club, the tournament raised US$1,935 in proceeds, which were donated in full to the Zonta Girl Scholarship – Shining Stars Program. The initiative, led by the Zonta club, supports underprivileged girls in rural areas by providing access to education and helping them realize their potential.

An on-site charity booth also raised an additional US$2,200 in donations, further strengthening the impact of the scholarship program and demonstrating strong community support for the cause.

The day concluded with an awards ceremony marked by celebration and camaraderie. Wang Xiuxia earned the Overall Gross Champion title with a score of 77, adding to the event’s uplifting atmosphere.

Zonta Club of Laguna champions holistic community care and empowerment

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The Zonta Club of Laguna, Philippines, in collaboration with the Office of Hon. Ann Matibag and MOB Foundation Inc., launched a series of targeted community outreach efforts focusing on healthcare, women’s legal rights and youth protection.

In Antipolo, the “Voice of the Free” initiative provided a holistic approach to women’s health. The program combined health education lectures on hygiene and wellness with comprehensive medical checkups, external genital examinations, and HPV vaccinations. The initiative aimed to strengthen community health and reduce the long-term risks associated with preventable diseases with follow-up vaccinations and ongoing health monitoring. Medical professionals Dr. M. Borabien, Dr. C. Gacoba, and J. Acierto, RN, led the operations alongside dedicated volunteers.

Parallel to this health-focused work, the club organized multiple legal literacy initiatives centered on the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act, or Republic Act 9262. In San Pedro City, a community lecture educated residents on the legal definitions of abuse, the processes for reporting incidents, available protection orders and the roles of government agencies. Speakers translated complex legal concepts into practical, actionable information to empower attendees.

As part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the club also launched a robust social media awareness series that simplified legal information on VAWC and shared step-by-step guides, infographics and helpline resources. The campaign tackled frequently asked questions and illustrated real-life scenarios to make the law relatable and understandable. A second phase of the campaign expanded the content with shareable resources in local languages, helping amplify reach and comprehension.

Youth engagement played a critical role in the Zonta club’s outreach efforts. At San Pedro Relocation Center National High School, students attended educational talks on preventing teenage pregnancy and understanding their rights under the VAWC law. Age-appropriate content and interactive sessions helped equip students with knowledge to make informed choices and recognize signs of abuse.

Complementing these educational components was the distribution of hygiene kits that included basic health products and educational materials—ensuring participants received not only knowledge but also practical tools for personal well-being.

Zonta Club of Fairfax County joins postcard campaign urging action on Equal Rights Amendment

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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.

Zonta Club of Jelgava unveils powerful straw doll campaign

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In a creative and moving effort to raise awareness during the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Zonta Club of Jelgava, Latvia, launched a striking public initiative titled “Salmiem nesāp, bet sievietei? Atpazīsti vardarbību!” (“Straw doesn’t hurt, but a woman does? Recognize violence!”), held from 25 November to 10 December.

At the heart of the campaign was the installation of 12 large straw dolls, crafted by 22 local women, including Zonta members, and displayed across key public spaces in Jelgava. Each doll represented a real-life story of abuse—ranging from physical and psychological violence to subtle and often-overlooked forms of coercion. The stories, published in both Latvian and English, provided education on recognizing abuse and offered information on where to seek help.

“This was a great event and made me think that one should not feel guilty if suffering from violence,” said one attendee. Another remarked, “The event made me think in different ways… I now realize violence isn’t just physical.”

The campaign also featured the club’s annual “No sirds uz sirdi” (“From Heart to Heart”) awards ceremony, recognizing activists and professionals who have made significant contributions to protecting women’s rights in Jelgava city and district.

While the creation of the dolls required dedication and emotional engagement, the process also fostered connection and dialogue among participants—underscoring Zonta’s commitment to building both community and awareness.

The initiative garnered strong attention in local press and TV news, blending Latvia’s rich folk traditions with modern advocacy to powerfully spotlight the urgent issue of gender-based violence.

Zonta Club of Melbourne raises powerful awareness on domestic violence with shoe project exhibit

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In a deeply moving initiative held on 18-19 November, the Zonta Club of Melbourne, FL, USA, transformed a local church into a space of remembrance, awareness and advocacy through its Shoe Project, a visual exhibit designed to educate the public about the devastating toll of domestic violence.

Triggered by the tragic loss of a beloved local executive—murdered by her intimate partner—the event struck a profound chord in the community. “She lit up every room with her smile and style,” one attendee said. “To know she was suffering in silence is heartbreaking.”

To honor the lives lost and raise awareness, the club collected 466 pairs of gently used shoes, each tagged with the name of a woman killed by an intimate partner—representing the number of women in the U.S. who die due to domestic violence every 16 days. The shoes were arranged as a solemn pathway, creating a haunting and impactful experience. For many, the exhibit was too personal to walk through; some cried, others shared their own stories.

The event, open to the public, featured informational booths from local organizations, including the Brevard Sheriff’s Office, Serene Harbor, the Cocoa Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter, Women’s Center of Brevard and Titusville, and the Palm Bay Police Department’s Victim Services Unit—ensuring resources were readily available to those in need.

At the end of the two-day exhibit, all shoes were donated to local women’s shelters. The initiative, which received coverage from Everything Brevard, is now featured in a powerful video that continues to spread the message:
Watch the video here
Read the feature article

Say NO to Teenage Pregnancy caravan

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As part of its ongoing advocacy for youth education and well-being, the Zonta Club of Muntinlupa & Environs Foundation Inc, Philippines, launched its “Say NO to Teenage Pregnancy” Caravan, a citywide campaign designed to educate students about the risks and long-term consequences of early pregnancy.

The initiative reached 1,550 students across several public high schools in Muntinlupa City, where renowned experts delivered engaging and informative sessions. Topics focused on reproductive health, responsible decision-making, and the social and emotional impacts of teenage pregnancy.

By providing young people with accurate information and support, the caravan aimed to empower students to make informed, healthy life choices and to foster a culture of awareness and prevention within schools.

Zonta Club of Antipolo expands youth advocacy during 16 Days of Activism with school forums and symbolic walk

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In observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Antipolo, Philippines, launched a series of impactful initiatives addressing mental health, cyberbullying and gender-based violence. Through interactive forums and public demonstrations, the club reaffirmed its commitment to empowering youth and advocating for a safer, more inclusive society.

On 5 December, the club held a large-scale awareness session at San Isidro Elementary School, reaching 700 students and engaging 10 faculty members. Guest speakers Mr. Michael Maestro and MSgt. Heinz Ocilo from the Philippine National Police led discussions on mental health and cyberbullying, providing students with tools to stay safe online and cope with emotional challenges. The event was spearheaded by Club President Lynn Alegre, whose leadership ensured a well-organized and impactful experience.

Continuing the advocacy, club members—including Dr. Remedios Aquino—visited St. Claire Montessori School in Barangay Dela Paz. The session engaged 250 elementary students and 10 teachers, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, resilience and accessible support systems. Eight Zontians participated in this interactive program, offering insights and encouraging students to speak up about their experiences with bullying and mental health.

In a powerful show of solidarity, the club also participated in a symbolic walk to the EDSA People Power Monument, marching with partner organizations to call for an end to all forms of violence against women and girls. The historic backdrop underscored the movement’s message: just as Filipinos once stood for democracy, Zonta and its allies now march for dignity, protection and equality.

Zonta Club of Dhaka III says NO to violence against women and girls

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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.

Advocating against violence against women and child marriage

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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.