Breaking Barriers: Celebrating International Women’s Month with a difference

In a dynamic celebration of International Women’s Month, the Zonta Club of Laguna, Philippines, Zonta International Area 5 and the Z and Golden Z Clubs of Saint Michael’s College of Laguna (SMCL) hosted two impactful events that championed responsible citizenship, women’s empowerment and community service.

On 13 March, the LINGAP SMCL Foundation and Zonta club held a full day of community-centered activities at the LINGAP Zonta Center in Biñan City. The 13th Annual Buntis Fair, themed “Together for Mothers: Empowering Communities for Safe Pregnancies,” provided expectant mothers with free pre-natal check-ups and maternal health talks led by Dr. Maria Cresencia R. Gacoba and Dr. Milagros O. Borabien. Essential health kits were also distributed to participants. The event was chaired by Past President Pinky Manuel.

At the same venue, LINGAP SMCL relaunched its Continuing Literacy and Livelihood Education Program (CLLEP), where faculty and student volunteers—including members of the SMCL Golden Z Club—taught 25 parents practical skills such as dishwashing liquid production and crocheting.

Meanwhile, the Reading Remediation Sessions: Batang BES sa Basa (B3) helped improve the literacy skills of 30 students from Grades 4 to 6. Each participant received books to inspire a lifelong love for reading.

In another initiative, SMCL’s Z and Golden Z Clubs launched the Area 5 Voter Education Program in collaboration with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), a nationwide initiative supported by Zonta International Past President Olivia Ferry. Held under the banner BIDA BAYANI: Ambag Ko sa Bayan Ko Year 3, the event gathered over 900 young and first-time voters in person, with more than 15,300 viewers joining via Facebook Live.

The forum featured compelling talks from speakers Mr. Jude Liao, Atty. Lorna Patajo-Kapunan and Mr. Marion Villar, who emphasized the importance of responsible voting, the vital role of women in politics and the influence of youth in shaping the nation’s future. “Democracy thrives when we take action,” the speakers echoed, calling attendees to become changemakers in their communities.

These two initiatives—one focused on civic engagement and the other on health, literacy and livelihood—embody Zonta’s mission to empower women and youth through service, advocacy and education. Through collaborative efforts with organizations such as PPCRV, the MOB Foundation, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Biñan Doctors Hospital and the Biñan City Health Office, the Zonta community continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of Filipino families.

Together, these events exemplify how Zonta clubs, student organizations and local partners can #AccelerateAction for women and girls while nurturing a new generation of engaged and empowered citizens.