Zonta Club of Cebu II Launches 18-Day Activism Against VAWC at Women’s Summit

Mandaue City intensifies its campaign against violence towards women and children (VAWC) through a collaborative effort by the local government, Zonta Club of Cebu II, and concerned sectors.

The Women’s Summit, organized by Zonta Club of Cebu II in partnership with MOVE Mandaue and the Cebu Lady Lawyers Association, Inc. (CELLA), addressed key concerns in the battle against VAWC.

This successful event, with 200 women from Mandaue City’s barangays and city officials, marked the commencement of “18 Days of Activism for the Elimination of VAWC.”

Michelle Yu, Mandaue City’s gender and development (GAD) focal person, discussed the city’s legislative strides against gender-based violence, including the Safe Spaces Ordinance and the Revised Gender and Development Code.

The replacement of sodium street lights with LED bulbs enhances pedestrian safety, especially for women. Lawyer Noemi Truya shared experiences from the Children’s Legal Bureau, and Dr. Rhodora Bucoy shed light on the global recognition of the Philippines in mainstreaming gender work.

From the LGBTQ++ community, Tisha Ylaya of Cebu Pride discussed issues faced by the community, including financial insecurity and loneliness. Lawyers Fiona Bojos and Magdalena Lepiten focused on the Safe Spaces Act, while Charlene Virlouvet shared her commitment to addressing gender-based violence. Rain Villagonzalo emphasized that “transgender women are women.”

Zn. Dr. Elsa Basubas, chairperson of Abay sa Kahayag, acknowledged the collective efforts in raising awareness about ending VAWC.

Additional activities for the 18 Days of Activism include the TEEN SUMMIT on Transformational Leadership and Gender Equality, WOMEN in ARTIVISM, ROLL on REELS featuring VAWC topics on Zonta Club Cebu II’s Facebook page, the PAINTING COMPETITION: WOMEN WHO MOVE MANDAUE, and concluding with the tradition of GIFT-GIVING to Women PDLs of Mandaue City jail.