The COVID-19 pandemic hit the entire global population hard and the challenges for people, businesses, communities and organizations are numerous. For Zonta Club of Cebu II, it has been a game-changer for the club, compelling its members to innovate its service delivery framework to its target communities. “This catastrophic experience has taught our members to thrive and think out-of-the-box to extend its reach to more women and girls, as well to communities in need during these most perilous times”, says its President, Petite Garcia. With the ongoing pandemic that has restricted mass-based events, Zonta Club of Cebu II continues to stay strong in its advocacies and go about its activities in creative and unique ways.
Zonta Club of Cebu II President Petite Garcia
This year, the ZONTA Club of Cebu II will launch its 1st Walk for Women, an activity that will celebrate women and promote equality, dignity and increased awareness for their rights. Dubbed “Walk for Women: Zonta Club of Cebu II Virtual Walk”, the event aims to unite as many people as possible through a common goal – not just for health and wellness but more importantly, to “Create Safe Spaces for Everyone”.
Abay sa Kahayag Chairman, Ms. Elsa Basubas
750 million women and girls alive today were married before the age of 18. Over 131 million school-aged girls are out of school. Young women aged 15-29 are more than three times as likely as young men to not be in employment, education or training. 1 in 5 women has experienced physical or sexual violence in the last 12 months. (Source: United Nations and UNICEF)
According to the club’s Advocacy Chair, Elaine Bathan, “These statistics show a world in which women and girls alike endure some form of discrimination, inequality and violence. We at Zonta believe that if we all work together, we can affect real and lasting positive change. The world can be made a better place by empowering girls and women and investing in their well-being.”
Advocacy Chair, Atty. Elaine Bathan
Even with a raging pandemic, Zonta Club II remains steadfast in its commitment to do more and be more responsive and efficient in its outreach, advocacy, projects and programs that will address the concerns of women and girls. “All these because Zonta Club of Cebu 2 will forge ahead and make headway towards a world where all are equal and all are free from violence and abuse, ” adds Odette Jereza, Service Chair.
The virtual walk is set on November 25 to December 12, 2021 with five distances, each corresponding to a specific cause:
3 KM Say NO to Teenage Pregnancy
5 KM End Child Marriage
10 KM Break the Chain of Inequality and Abuse
15 KM Stand Up Against Trafficking of Women and Children
21 KM Say NO to Violence Against Women
“With this virtual walk, participants can walk or run their own race, at their own time, place and pace. Anyone can join from anywhere in the world – they can be at the beach in Cebu or in New York’s Central Park, on the streets of Manila or Paris or inside their own homes on a treadmill”, shares Organizing Committee Chair, Atty. Regal Oliva.
Organizing Committee Chair, Atty. Regal Oliva
The walk/run period will be from November 25 to December 12, 2021. Participants must complete the distance within one single day, and not split it into several days. A participant may register multiple times and may also join all distances. Registration fee is at PhP 750 regardless of the distance and will entitle each participant to a Gratuity Bag containing a customized dry-fit shirt, sun visor, tumbler and drawstring bag.
“It is with the hope that we ask the community to support and invest in our cause; after all, when we invest in girls and women, we are investing not only in their future but in the future of humanity as well”, enjoins Nonie Uy, Ways & Means Committee Chair.
Ms. Nonie Uy, Ways & Means Committee Chair
Ms. Myrna Tan, Vice Chair of the Ways and Means Committee
Online registration will start on the 25th of September 2021 at zontacebu2walk.myruntime.com and will run for 2 months.
