Attorney Mildred Tria, a noted book author and international speaker on violence against women and children and women’s rights, delivered an engaging and educational talk to 200 students of San Antonio National High School on 26 March.

Held at the school’s campus on Mayapis Street, the event gathered school principal Emelita Cajigal, head teachers, Area Director Rowena Plan, Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II, Philippines, President Shirley Licup and her club members. During the session, Mildred provided students with critical legal knowledge and practical guidance on preventing gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy.

An accomplished author of Archipelagic Baselines and the Philippine Territory and Empowered: Understanding Women’s Rights and the Laws, Mildred also writes the legal opinion column “The Legal Desk” in Buhay Marino. She recently served as a speaker at the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific’s faculty development program in Bangkok, where she emphasized the role of women’s education as a catalyst for societal progress.

At the event, Mildred discussed several key topics, including Republic Act No. 10354, the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012; Republic Act No. 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004; and Republic Act No. 8353, addressing rape by sexual assault and carnal knowledge. She also provided relationship advice, insights on reproductive health and sexuality education, and legal perspectives on teenage pregnancy.

The session aimed to raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of gender-based violence and empower young individuals, particularly girls, to recognize warning signs and make informed choices. Throughout the discussion, students actively engaged with the speaker, gaining valuable insights into their rights and available protections under the law.

Club President Shirley Licup introduced Zonta International to the audience, sharing the organization’s mission, vision and advocacies with students who were previously unfamiliar with Zonta’s work. This effort not only expanded Zonta’s visibility but reinforced the club’s dedication to empowering women and youth in the local community.

Principal Emelita Cajigal expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you for organizing this talk. Our students learned a lot. Hoping for a stronger partnership with you.”

The Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II, Philippines, has been working alongside Wipe Every Tear (WET) since August 2024 to help women who have been trafficked or trapped in prostitution rebuild their lives with dignity.

The first collaboration began with a therapeutic art workshop, where survivors painted on canvas bags. For many participants, it was their first opportunity to express themselves freely in a safe, creative space.

Since then, the club has launched several follow-up initiatives with WET, including a soap-making livelihood project that taught women how to produce and sell handmade soaps as a sustainable source of income. At the World Bazaar showcase, participants presented their handcrafted goods to the public, boosting their confidence and entrepreneurial skills. The club also donated essential supplies and equipment to support the daily needs of WET’s transitional safe houses.

Held across various locations in Metro Manila between August 2024 and February 2025, these events provided both practical support and a powerful message: Zonta says no to exploitation and yes to empowerment.

In the Philippines, thousands of women and girls—some as young as 10 years old—are exploited, often driven into prostitution by poverty and lack of education. By offering access to healing, livelihood opportunities and safe shelter, the club is helping to break the cycle of abuse.

The club’s partnership with Wipe Every Tear serves as a model for how local clubs can support the long-term recovery of survivors and bring Zonta’s mission closer to the communities that need it most.

The triple burden of raising children, managing a household and working, often pushes young mothers to their limits. To prevent overwork and the resulting negative effects, primarily on the children and on the relationship (such as violence), to seek solutions, and to provide time for recharging and reflection, Sévérine Bächtold Sidler has launched a burnout prevention project for young mothers in the Sursee region that is unique in Switzerland.

As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, Sévérine Bächtold Sidler had the opportunity to present her extraordinary project at the Advocacy March event, and she inspired club members with her initiative. The Service Commission of Zonta Luzern Landschaft, Switzerland, has donated CHF 500 to the private organization “Hauszeit mit Herz” (House Time with Heart).

*This story was translated into English by Google Translate.

In observance of the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Zonta Club of Laguna launched a powerful webinar titled “BeCause: Be the Cause — VAW Bigyang Wakas, Ngayon Na Ang Oras” (Let’s End VAW, Now Is the Time), held virtually for over 200 students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) – San Pedro Campus.

The 45-minute session, led by Zonta Club of Laguna, Philippines, Immediate Past President Ancy Palma, aimed to inform and inspire young people to recognize and take action against violence against women (VAW) and children. The talk explored the various forms of abuse, debunked common myths, and spotlighted lesser-known manifestations of violence—contextualized specifically within the Philippine setting.

“This talk was an eye-opener,” said Marie, a Golden Z Club member. “I never realized how many forms violence can take and how it affects not just the victim, but the entire community.”

Palma emphasized the broader impact of VAW, highlighting its effects on families, local communities, and the economy. Students were also introduced to actionable steps to help end gender-based violence. “As a young man, I think it’s so important that we’re part of this conversation,” said John, a participant. “Ending VAW is not just a women’s issue, it’s a human rights issue that we all have a stake in.”

Through its partnership with the Golden Z Club, the Zonta Club of Laguna strengthened its advocacy among young people, cultivating a new generation of leaders committed to gender equality and human rights.

The “BeCause” initiative at PUP-San Pedro marked a significant step in Zonta International’s mission to end violence against women and girls, reinforcing the vital role that education and youth engagement play in achieving systemic change.