I bumped into a long-time friend from the travel industry, Rita Dy, who has already retired from her Singapore Airlines Marketing chores and is now enjoying herself doing things at her own leisurely pace and style. However, that day we saw each other, she was bubbling with enthusiasm over her latest preoccupation, through her involvement as Public Relations and Communications District Chair of Zonta International District 17, which covers our country, Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Malaysia.
She is now very active in her club’s campaign to raise awareness of and increase actions to end violence against women around the world. I am pleased to know that this initiative takes place in Zonta Clubs and districts all over the world every biennium, pushing forth a more inclusive, unified, and impactful campaign.
Every November 25 to December 10, all the 1100 Zonta Clubs in 63 countries mount their respective “16 Days of Activism” Campaign. Here in the Philippines, these are commemorated in all four Zonta areas – Metro Manila (north and south), its environs, Northern Luzon and Visayas.
Various activities have been lined up, like Walks, Motorcade, Photo Competitions, Tarpaulins, Awards, Seminars, and Produce Exhibits, all with the cooperation of local government units throughout the country. These are staged simultaneously throughout the “16 Days of Activism.”
Here in Metro Manila, Area 1 had a well-participated motorcade on November 27 from Marikina City Hall winding around the various streets in the city. Twenty clubs in Area 5 launched the Zonta Earth Store which continues to display, until this Saturday, eco-friendly products and secret kitchens from the Bicol region, Laguna, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Samar, Muntinlupa, and Makati City. This is ongoing at Alabang’s Festival Mall and was officially opened on November 25, with Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Biazon cutting the ceremonial ribbon, together with Zonta’s Area 5 Director Lourdes Wallace and other officers of the club.
Also scheduled for this coming Saturday is the culmination of the club’s “16 Days of Activism” through a Liberty Walk from the Makati Fire Station in Bangkal Street to the Ayala Triangle. Rita and her co-Zonta Club officers are inviting concerned citizens who are in support of their advocacy to join this fun activity.
I’ve known my friend, Rita, throughout my many decades of work in the airline industry and I know that, when she puts her mind and heart into something she believes in, it will always lead to tremendous success. Of course, we also have to thank the dedicated efforts of three other Zonta ladies who are just as involved in this commendable movement – Olivia Ferry, the only Filipina and Asian to serve as Zonta International President; Lia Bautista, Zonta International District 17 Governor Biennium; and Lourdes Wallace, Zonta International District 17 Area 5 Director.
No doubt, after this “16 Days of Activism,” we will hear, loud and clear, the world saying NO to Violence Against Women, thanks to Zonta International’s praiseworthy efforts.
YOUR MONDAY CHUCKLE
“Looking at the way some people live, they should consider purchasing eternal Fire Insurance”
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