LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – To increase awareness on women’s rights and empowerment, the Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte conducted various activities around the province during the 16-day campaign to end violence against women (VAW).
 
According to Mitzie delos Santos, president of the club, they conducted free medical, legal, and psychological consultations, in-person fora and training, and visited all towns in the province to distribute communication materials of their free services for women.
 
During the campaign, they conducted their “Laban Babae: NO to VAWC Seminar and Self-Defense Training” spearheaded by their extension club, the Golden Z Club of the Mariano Marcos State University.
 
The self-defense training was conducted by personnel from the 14th Special Action Battalion Philippine National Police-Special Action Force of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office.
 
They also conducted a seminar on women’s rights to male participants in Laoag City.
 
Delos Santos also assured that they will continue to conduct free medical, legal, and psychological consultations for women in need.
 
The Zonta Club will schedule their free consultations every second Saturday of the month at their office in Barangay San Matias, Laoag City.
 
“We want our programs to have a sustainable factor. Ayaw namin na napaka-temporary ang pag-implement ng aming mga support services sa ating mga kababaihan na nangangailangan kaya we are continuously coming back to our past beneficiaries para high impact talaga ang tulong natin na mabago ang kanilang buhay,” Delos Santos said.
 
She also added that the Zonta Club of Ilocos Norte is prepared to assist victims of abuse and violence in the province with the help of their members from medical, legal, and psychological professions. (JCR/AMB/EJFG/PIA Ilocos Norte)