Zonta Clubs empower students with financial literacy

More than 300 students from Isabela State University, Angadanan Campus, participated in a Financial Literacy campaign organized by the Zonta Club of Isabela, Philippines, in partnership with its sister club, the Zonta Club of Makati Legaspi.

The objective of the initiative is to end domestic violence through financial literacy. It focused on empowering young people with essential money management skills—recognizing financial independence as a critical step in preventing and escaping abusive situations.

The Financial Literacy Program is based on MoneyMinded, ANZ’s flagship adult financial education initiative. Developed in 2003, MoneyMinded is an evidence-based program that empowers participants with essential financial management skills. It focuses on helping individuals improve their money skills, knowledge, and confidence by covering topics such as budgeting, goal setting, planning for the future, understanding needs vs. wants and assertiveness in financial decision-making.

The campaign responds to pressing financial literacy challenges in the Philippines. According to 2022 data, only one in four Filipinos is financially literate. More than 80% of the working middle class lacks a formal financial plan, and although 20 million Filipinos report saving money, only half have access to a bank account.

By addressing these gaps, the Zonta-led initiative contributes to a broader effort to create safer and more empowered communities, particularly for women and girls at risk of financial dependency and abuse.