The Zonta Club of Dhaka I, Bangladesh, recently conducted an impactful Advocacy Awareness Program at Uttara Ladies Club Abytanik School, engaging students in meaningful dialogue around gender-based violence and the importance of creating safe spaces.
The session, led by Zonta members Hosneara Idrish and Farhana Rahman, aimed to empower young people through education and awareness, encouraging them to recognize and challenge harmful societal norms.
Adding a powerful creative element to the program, students presented a thoughtful drama performance that deepened the conversation and reflected their understanding of the issues.
The Zonta Club of Dhaka IV, Bangladesh, hosted a successful parent-teacher meeting for sponsored students on 25 May, a meaningful initiative aimed at strengthening the support system for girls’ education.
During the event, students were encouraged to remain dedicated to their academic journey, with an emphasis on maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Club leaders shared that academic commitment not only opens doors to future opportunities but also builds a foundation for leadership and equality.
Parents were also urged to be active participants in their daughters’ education by offering consistent encouragement and support at home.
A highlight of the meeting was the formal handover of sponsorship funds for the first six months. Club President Naheed Shaheen, joined by past presidents and club members, led the ceremony—underscoring the club’s unwavering commitment to uplifting girls through education and access to opportunity.
St. Michael’s College of Laguna (SMCL), in partnership with the Zonta Club of Laguna, Philippines, continues to empower the next generation of leaders through its flagship voter education program “BIDA BAYANI: Ambag Ko sa Bayan Ko”, held recently at SMCL for both onsite students and online viewers.
Now in its third year, the forum emphasized the importance of responsible and informed voting, especially among first-time and young voters. It featured a panel of esteemed speakers, including Attorney Lorna Patajo-Capunan, former Zonta International District 17 Area 5 Director and a prominent lawyer in the Philippines; Marion Joseph Villar, Education Governance Program Officer at The Asia Foundation; and Jude Liao, Executive Director of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).
The initiative—organized in cooperation with the SMCL Foundation Inc., PPCRV, Z and Golden Z Clubs of SMCL and the Zonta club—encouraged students to scrutinize candidate platforms, verify credentials and avoid disinformation. Organizers emphasized that informed voting decisions can create a lasting, positive impact on communities and the democratic process.
Legal Help Desk for human trafficking victims launched
In a pioneering move for the Zonta Club of Laguna, the organization launched the Legally Zonta Help Desk—a first-of-its-kind initiative providing direct support and legal assistance for survivors of human trafficking and abuse.
The Help Desk serves as a confidential and secure resource center where victims can access legal guidance, counseling, and emergency assistance. Staffed by qualified legal professionals and counselors, the initiative bridges the gap between survivors and the services they need by integrating connections to local law enforcement, crisis centers and healthcare providers.
More than just a help desk, it is a vital lifeline and a commitment to ensure that survivors have access to justice and recovery.
‘Loving Embrace’ Medical Mission brings care to survivors
In another effort to support trafficking survivors, Zonta Club of Laguna, in collaboration with the MOB Foundation, JCI Damas De San Pedro, and the Congressional Office of Rep. Ann Matibag, conducted a one-day medical mission titled Loving Embrace at a shelter in Antipolo City.
Led by Dr. M. Borabien and Dr. C. Gacoba, the outreach program provided free medical consultations, cervical cancer vaccinations for female survivors, distribution of medicines, and preventive health education. Survivors also received care kits and participated in a day of fun and healing, which included entertainment, gift-giving and meals sponsored by Jollibee.
The Zonta Club of Palermo Triscele, Italy, presented its Advocacy Award to the students and teachers of Margherita di Navarra School in Pioppo-Palermo for their impactful video clip titled “Come Stelle” (“Like Stars”), which raises awareness about gender-based violence.
The video highlights the various forms gender violence can take—both physical and psychological—and emphasizes the importance of awareness, prevention and support for survivors. The award recognizes the school’s commitment to educating youth and inspiring action against violence through creative expression.
On 14 May, the Zonta Club of Bangkok IX, Thailand, Club President Dr. Sunjutha Witchawut and Z Club Chair Z. Navaporn Sodsri visited the Z Club of Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn Nonthaburi School to celebrate the induction of its new student leadership team.
During the visit, the club presented the official Z club flag and special sashes to the newly appointed youth ambassadors and board members, who assumed their roles following the graduation of the previous team.
Dr. Witchawut offered her congratulations and encouragement, urging the students to use their talents wisely and to contribute meaningfully to Zonta’s mission. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about gender-based violence and empowering women and girls through advocacy and service.
Over the past six months, the Zonta Club of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, has led the development and installation of Wharepaku (Māori for “bathroom”) signage across district public restrooms, with plans to expand into schools, hospitals, hospitality venues and retail spaces.
The signage provides discreet and accessible information on local support services for women experiencing violence. Inspired by similar initiatives from other District 16 clubs, the Hawke’s Bay project added a unique regional touch to address local needs.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the signage helping to raise both community awareness of gender-based violence and the visibility of the Zonta Club.
On the morning of 27 March, the Zonta Club of Pampanga, Philippines, in partnership with Sindalan High School in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, hosted an educational forum focused on the Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Law and gender equality. Held at the school’s covered court, the event brought together students and educators for a morning of awareness and empowerment.
Club President Gina Rosario Millan opened the program with an introduction to Zonta International’s mission and vision, highlighting the importance of ending violence against women and girls and promoting youth involvement in gender advocacy. She was assisted by her daughter, Thea Marielle Millan, who also served as the event’s official photographer.
The keynote speaker, Attorney Jeriko Rivera Bais, delivered a compelling and informative presentation on the VAWC Law and Gender Equality Law, using real-life examples to engage and educate the audience. His talk sparked a lively and thoughtful open forum with participating students from Grades 7, 10 and 11.
The club praised the students’ active participation and thoughtful questions, calling the event a successful and inspiring step toward fostering a more informed and empowered generation.
On 10 May 2025, Zonta Club of Dhaka IV, Bangladesh, organized a compelling advocacy session at Kamal Ahmed Mojumder School in Mirpur to raise awareness about the dangers of child marriage.
Zontian Dr. Rumpa Kairy led the session, addressing the legal, social and health consequences of child marriage. She highlighted how this harmful practice severely disrupts a girl’s education, health and overall development. The session aimed to educate and empower students with the knowledge needed to understand why child marriage is a grave social injustice and a violation of human rights and the law.
As a powerful conclusion to the event, Club President Zontian Naheed Shaheen led a pledge ceremony in which all students vowed to stand against child marriage. This collective pledge reflected the community’s strong commitment to protecting girls’ rights and ensuring they can grow up in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment.
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.
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.
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