Every November, we raise awareness for our advocacies through 16 Days of Activism.
This year, Zonta Club of Makati and Environs (ZCME), in partnership with the Makati Social Welfare Department, presented “16 Days of Activism: BABAE AKO, HINDI BABAE LANG” (I AM A WOMAN, I am NOT JUST a WOMAN) on 30 November at 1 pm at the University of Makati Auditorium.
The event commenced with a short film presentation depicting different types of Violence Against Women titled “EBAI…Babae Ka Hindi Babae Lang,” an advocacy film for women empowerment and a fight to end Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) written & directed by: Harvie C. Aquino, a joint Project of HCA Production and LGU Lingayen headed by Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil (GAD Chairperson) and Vice Mayor Judy De Leon Vargas-Quiocho (GAD Vice Chairperson).
The auditorium was filled with close to 300 participants, including Grade 11 and Grade 12 students from the University of Makati, women representatives from 33 barangays of Makati, and the Kababaihan’s organization from Taguig City.
Following the film, a riveting panel discussion took place. These panelists were thoughtfully selected to represent the key individuals and agencies that the public can turn to for assistance:
• Judge Elisa R. Sarmiento-Flores, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 71, Pasig City
• Judge Joe Ricuerdo P. Flores, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 6, Tanauan City, Batangas
• Atty. Jefferson Gonzales, Senior Lawyer, Makati Public Attorney’s Office
• Ms. Jowie Advincula, RPm, RPsy, CSAP, Clinical Psychologist from the Ospital ng Makati (OSMAK)
• PCPT Jenibeth Artista, Officer-In-Charge, Women and Children Protection Desk
• Ms. Dulce G. Manansala, RSW, Social Welfare Officer II from the Makati Social Welfare Department
The thought-provoking film sparked a panel discussion that lasted over 1.5 hours. Numerous follow-up questions and consultations continued after the discussion, covering topics such as awareness, root causes, support systems, laws & policies, education & prevention, engaging men & boys in preventing VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children), and the media’s role in shaping perception and transforming these channels as a vehicle for change.
The main takeaways were loud and clear:
• Female Empowerment – “Babae Ako, Hindi Babae Lang” (I AM A WOMAN, I am NOT JUST a WOMAN)
• “Walang Over, Walang Under, Dapat Partner” (Women and Men can and must be equal partners)
• “Bawal Bastos Laws” (NO to Violence against Women and Children and VAWC laws simply mean NO to DISRESPECT)
There are key individuals, agencies, and departments one can run to for help. This event played a vital role in creating awareness, fostering dialogue, and inspiring positive change.
ZCME and its partners continue to make a significant impact by addressing these critical issues and encouraging a collective effort towards a safer, more just and equal society.
Join us in saying NO 