“Women’s Rights is Human Rights”, a principle staunchly advocated
by Zonta Club Cebu II.
This same principle has inspired a partnership with the City
of Mandaue to advance the welfare of women and children against violence and
abuse, established in the project Abay sa Kahayag.
Marilou Canizares, club president, said that in observance
of 18 Days of Activism against gender based violence, Abay sa Kahayag is
mounting a series of events to call attention to the advocacy in several venues
starting Nov. 23 this year.
Abay sa Kahayag is loosely translated as guiding light, a
helping hand stretched out to victims of abuse in distress. It is a program
supported by Zonta Club Cebu II that is made accessible to all 27 barangays of
Mandaue City through the VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children) desks.
Not stopping there, the City of Mandaue and Zonta Club Cebu
II are working on the long-term vision of creating a One Stop Crisis Center in
the District Hospital of Mandaue City. It is designed to address the plight of
victims of abuse by providing police assistance, legal consultation and medical
services.
This year’s campaign shall focus on the need for victims to
be aware of their rights guaranteed by the
Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), and for the public to report cases of
abuse to the authorities. A search for
the outstanding advocate for women in Mandaue’s 27 barangays has been launched
to kick off the campaign. On Nov. 23, a
Photo Exhibit of the nominees will open in Park Mall. Alongside, another exhibit of Pop Art Posters on the
advocacy against violence will run until Dec.1.
On Nov. 24 another event shall open in Ayala Center Cebu
featuring the dual exhibit “Musings on Women” in paintings and black and white
photos as a tribute and homage to women from all walks of life in their various
roles in society. Photos and paintings may be viewed only up to Nov.26 in the
main activity center. The photos which are finalists in the photo contest for
the event shall be moved to the 2nd level of the new wing of the mall from Nov.
27 to Dec. 2. Viewers may vote for the best photo in the People’s Choice, an
adjunct category to the official criteria of the panel of judges.
A Symposium on
“Redefining the Meaning of Gender” shall be held on Dec. 5 at Bai Hotel
in Mandaue City featuring notable speakers on issues such as sexual harassment
in the workplace, the SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Equality)
bill pending in congress, and other relevant topics. On Dec.10, observed as Human Rights Day, the awarding of the Outstanding Advocate for
Women shall take place also at the same Hotel.
Top three winners of the photo contest shall also be announced. The
Highlight of the evening is a unique
fashion show as a platform for bold statements on women’s rights.
Abay sa Kahayag is envisioned by Zonta Club Cebu II as a
long term partnership with the City of Mandaue,
sustaining its advocacy in annual events, declared project chairperson
Dr. Elsa Basubas. - PR
Comments
Post a Comment