Category Archives: Biennium 2024 – 2026

As part of Zonta International’s mission, Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II places a strong emphasis on United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #5 (SDG #5): Gender Equality, recognizing it as one of the most crucial areas where significant progress is still needed. The club’s ongoing advocacy focuses on addressing key challenges Filipino women and girls face, highlighted by startling statistics across various sectors in the country. One of the most alarming issues is teen pregnancy. The Philippines has seen a 35% rise in live births among girls aged 15 and under, from 2,320 in 2021 to 3,135 in 2022[1][2]. Around 10% of girls aged 15-19 are already mothers, which can have severe consequences on their health and restrict their educational opportunities[5]. This troubling trend demonstrates the urgent need for comprehensive sex education and better access to reproductive health services. However, restrictive laws requiring parental consent for contraceptive access in adolescents further complicate efforts to address this issue[1]. The challenge of child marriage also remains pressing. 9% of Filipino girls marry before the age of 18, and 2% before 15, placing the Philippines as the 10th highest country globally for the absolute number of child brides, affecting 808,000 girls[5]. Child marriage not only violates the rights of girls but also contributes to the cycle of poverty, gender inequality, and adolescent pregnancy. Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II remains deeply committed to advocating for reforms that will put an end to these practices, which are often rooted in cultural norms and poverty. Another urgent concern is violence against women, with 17.5% of Filipino women aged 15-49 experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by intimate partners[4]. In 2021, 8,399 incidents of physical violence and 1,791 cases of rape were recorded, though these numbers likely represent just a fraction of actual cases, as many incidents go unreported due to stigma and lack of trust in the justice system[4]. Street harassment also contributes to the overall climate of fear and insecurity for women. While specific statistics are scarce, it remains a prevalent issue that affects women’s freedom of movement and sense of safety. Despite these challenges, there have been some improvements. The Philippines ranked 16th out of 146 countries in the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index, showing progress in gender equality[3]. However, gaps persist, particularly in political empowerment and economic participation, with scores of 0.409 and 0.789, respectively[3]. Furthermore, 99.5% of Filipinos still hold biases against women, according to the UNDP’s Gender Social Norms Index, indicating deep-seated cultural attitudes that continue to slow progress[3]. These sobering statistics underscore why Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II’s work is so critical. Gender equality remains a distant goal without significant and sustained efforts. The club continues to collaborate with local and international organizations, pushing for reforms that empower women and girls. Through education, advocacy, and community programs, Zonta works to create a future where every girl can live free from violence, marry by choice, and pursue her dreams unhindered by societal constraints. By shining a light on these issues, Zonta Greater Rizal II aligns with SDG #5, ensuring that gender equality remains at the forefront of their mission. The club stands firm in its belief that when women and girls thrive, communities prosper, and the nation as a whole moves closer to achieving true equality. Citations: [1] https://www.savethechildren.net/news/jump-35-teen-pregnancies-philippines-prompts-calls-increase-sex-education-and-health-services [2] https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218253 [3] https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/news/in-the-news/philippines-improves-in-2023-world-gender-equality-ranking [4] https://pcw.gov.ph/violence-against-women/ [5] https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/learning-resources/child-marriage-atlas/regions-and-countries/philippines/

October 18, 2025 | Public Forum of Child Marriage  

Members of Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II were proud to attend the 55th Stop and Salute Flag Raising Ceremony at Luneta Park, joining public servants, private sector leaders, and fellow patriots to honor the Philippine flag. This special event highlighted the inspiring story of Ms. Carol dela Cruz, the 55th honoree of the Salute to a Clean Flag Movement. Her dedication to patriotism is unwavering, as she regularly climbs the flagpole at a Savidug Elementary School in Sabtang, Batanes to ensure the flag-raising ceremony can proceed—an act that went viral for its humility and strong commitment to our nation. As a club dedicated to empowering women and promoting education, Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II stands with women like Ms. dela Cruz, who demonstrate leadership and inspire the next generation. Our presence here is part of our ongoing mission to ensure NO ONE IS LEFT BEHIND.

October 11, 2025 | Zonta Club of Greater Rizal’s International Day of the Girl Child: Addressing the Challenges Facing Girls in the Philippines   The International Day of the Girl Child, observed every year on October 11, is a reminder to reflect on the unique challenges that girls face globally. In the Philippines, these challenges are exacerbated by issues such as child exploitation, underage pregnancies, and access to education, all of which disproportionately affect young girls. By raising awareness and taking action, we can ensure that every girl is given the opportunity to thrive. Child Exploitation and Online Sexual Abuse The Philippines has unfortunately become a global hotspot for online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC). Studies show that 80% of Filipino children are vulnerable to online sexual abuse or bullying, with many cases involving the exploitation of minors for live-streamed sexual content. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened this issue, as economic hardships led some families to participate in online trafficking to survive. Underage Pregnancies and Sexual Violence The teenage pregnancy rate in the Philippines remains high, with a 35% increase in live births among girls aged 15 and below from 2021 to 2022. Girls under 18 face significant barriers to accessing sexual health services due to legal restrictions, further complicating their ability to protect themselves from unintended pregnancies. These pregnancies not only put girls at greater risk of health complications but also limit their future educational and economic opportunities. Educational Disparities Despite strides in education, economic pressures often force young girls to drop out of school to help support their families. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted education for girls, with many lacking the resources to participate in remote learning. This gap in education has long-term consequences for their future potential, making it difficult for them to break the cycle of poverty and inequality. Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II: Ensuring No Girl Is Left Behind At Zonta Club of Greater Rizal II, we are committed to rewriting the narrative for girls in the Philippines. We believe that women’s rights are human rights, and we are dedicated to empowering young girls through advocacy, education, and support programs. Our work aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 to achieve gender equality and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind. We promise to continue raising our voices and taking action to nurture the dreams and potential of girls across the country, so they can realize a sustainable, equitable future for generations to come. ADDITIONAL READING: [1] https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/896654/cpd-under-15-pregnancies-surged-in-2022/story/ [2] https://www.worldvision.org.ph/end-child-marriage-2020/ [3] https://www.savethechildren.net/news/jump-35-teen-pregnancies-philippines-prompts-calls-increase-sex-education-and-health-services [4] https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/news/in-the-news/philippines-improves-in-2023-world-gender-equality-ranking [5] https://pcw.gov.ph/education/ [6] https://www.pnri.dost.gov.ph/images/GADCorner/Fact-Sheet-on-Filipino-Women-and-Men-2023.pdf [7] https://reproductiverights.org/philippines-decriminalizes-adolescent-sexual-activity/ [8] https://philippines.unfpa.org/en/news/maguindanao-youth-spearhead-campaign-against-child-marriage [9] https://psa.gov.ph/content/teenage-pregnancy-declined-86-percent-2017-54-percent-2022 [10] https://psa.gov.ph/content/education-women-and-men [11] https://reproductiverights.org/philippines-criminalizes-child-marriage/ [12] https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/03/22/2253599/us-report-philippines-still-struggling-protect-children-sexual-abuse [13] https://psa.gov.ph/content/literacy-rate-and-educational-attainment-among-persons-five-years-old-and-over-philippines