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.

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.