The Zonta Club of Cagayan de Oro 1 (ZCCDO1), launched one of its most impactful initiatives to date: The Girls Empowerment through Livelihood and Skills Training for girls in conflict with the law (CICL) at Balay Paglaum in Macanhan, this city.
The project is in partnership with Sen. Pia Cayetano and Ztn. Councilor Imee Moreno with a
focus on rehabilitation, skill-building, and social reintegration.
Participants underwent skills training in cooking native kakanin such as kutchinta, pitchi-pitchi and sapin-sapin.
This initiative undertaken by ZCCDO1 are wide-ranging, addressing the root causes of gender inequality, empowering women through education, livelihood programs, and combating violence against women.
In addition, it aims to address the root causes of their vulnerability and prevent reoffending by equipping them with the means for a self-reliant and productive life.
The project is in line with Zonta’s mission of providing life-changing opportunities to empower women and girls and provide better economic opportunities.
The session was attended by members of ZCCDO1, CDO Polymedic Plaza nutritionist-dietician, Councilor Imee Moreno’s staff and Haven for Women.
Balay Paglaum is the only facility catering for CICL girls within Northern Mindanao. who are
not only coming from Cagayan de Oro but also from other LGUs of Northern Mindanao. At
present it offers temporary shelter to 17 girls and life skills program.
It also gives behavioral modification program, education services and medical aiming to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to become a productive member in the community once they are released. The program exemplifies the club’s holistic approach to gender equality and social transformation.
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