Zontians, Mandaue LGU unite versus gender-based violence

The Zonta Club of Cebu II and the Mandaue City government are calling for an end to gender discrimination and violence.

The group conducted a day-long symposium held at Bai Hotel in Mandaue City to help the public understand more about the evolution of gender and to expound on how to shy away from any wrongful gender stereotyping, which is a frequent cause of discrimination against women.

“The rising (number of) gender issues in the world today does not only involve two gender identities, it has developed into a growing stream. But all we need is love, respect and above all education, so we will know how to deal with the problem,” lawyer Regal Oliva, Zonta member and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) champion of Mandaue City.

Titled “He Versus She: Redefining the Meaning of Gender,” the symposium had four speakers discussing important topics related to violence against women.

They are Fiscal Lolita Lomanta (Recognizing and Responding to Sexual Harassment in the Workplace), human rights lawyer and activist Evalyn Ursua (Does the Perpetrator Have Rights? Building the Case Against the Accused), social activist and radio personality Tisha “Inday Tikay” Ylaya (LGBT Rights=Women’s Right=Human Right), and Major Michael Sarte (Working with Men and Boys to End Violence Against Women).

The symposium was one of the activities of “Abay sa Kahayag’s 18-Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, a collaborative project of Zonta II and the Mandaue City government to advance the welfare of women and children in the city against violence and abuse.

“We need to cultivate a higher level of tolerance and acceptance in the gender and development for Mandaue City. We hope that by starting it in this LGU we can reach to a wider community onwards equality and the end of violence,” said Dr. Elsa Basubas, Abay sa Kahayag Movement chairperson.

“We are happy that Zonta Club of Cebu II’s partnership with Mandaue City has blossomed into an insightful activity such as this. We just hope that we can change the outlook of government agencies and we can address better the transacting public by opening their eyes to gender-based violence in the workplace and in the community,” said Marilou Cañizares, president of Zonta Club of Cebu II.

AWARDING

On the other hand, winners of the #MusingsOnWomen Photo Contest were awarded at the end of the symposium.

The top 3 winners were SASTRE by Sidney Diguani (1st place), RICE FIELD by Nerisa Tavera (2nd place), and IVATAN IN BATANES by Erwin Lim (3rd place).

The Club’s Choice Award was given to FIRST TEACHER by Salvador Toong III, while the People’s Choice was ANG TINGSI NI NANAY, AMONG KAIPAY by Jhessa Ugdamina.

Winners received cash prizes and trophies.