Students can be a potent force in the campaign to end violence against women and children in schools and the promotion of gender equality through positive youth action.
This was the objective of the Teen Summit, organized by Zonta Club of Cebu II in partnership with Z Club of Childlink High School Cebu and MOVE Mandaue, held on the first day of the commemoration of the 18 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women . DepEd Ecotech Center was the venue, of the one-day session, that comfortably accommodated 100 student participants from Mandaue City Science High School, Mandaue City School for the Arts, St. Theresa’s College, Our Lady of Joy Learning Center and the host school. on November 25, 2023. Accompanying teachers from participating schools were visibly seated among the well-behaved, cooperative, very bright high school students.
DepEd Regional Director Dr. Salustiano Jimenez
The inspirational message by Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, DepEd Regional Director, Region 7, underscored hard work, dedication and commitment, as necessary elements of success. He hopes that he is able to inspire others by his teachings, with a quote, “I will aspire to inspire before I expire”.
Childlink director Zn. Ma. Teresa Tio and Abay sa Kahayag Chairperson Dr. Elsa B. Basubas
According to Childlink director Zn. Ma. Teresa Tio, an activity, such as a teen summit, necessarily brings out leadership, team-building, problem-solving skills, creativity and open-mindedness. Such goals are in consonance to the aims of Z Club, namely,
character building, leadership, and lending a helping hand to others.
Transformative Leadership Speaker Ms. Janet Mananay
Ms. Janet Mananay received a Certificate of Appreciation from Zonta Club of Cebu II
The speaker on “Transformative Leadership”, a professor at Cebu Normal University, Ms. Janet Mananay, expounded on the elements of Inspirational Leadership, with the acronym V-I-C-E. Visionary (clear direction of the future), Inspiring (optimistic, inspired daily), Considerate (caring, concerned), Ethical (has integrity, promotes trust).
Former Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women Dr. Rhodora Bucoy
Zn Vivien Seno gave the Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Rhodora Bucoy
Dr. Rhodora Bucoy, former Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women, discussed “Transforming Gender Inequalities, Changing Lives: Towards a Gender-fair, Violence-free Inclusive Society.”
“Gender transformative education unlocks the potential of learners in all diversity, contributes to ending harmful gender norms, attitudes, and practices, and transforms institutions to achieve a just, equal, and inclusive society”, she added.
Mural Art Presentation
That inequality in the home, in the community, and institutions exist should be recognized, and must be addressed, she said.
Dr. Bucoy then cited the need for transformative thinking and achieving critical consciousness to recognize the truth in society.
Awarding of Certificates to the Facilitators of the Teen Summit
The Z Club of Childlink High School Cebu together with the members of Zonta Club of Cebu II
Ceremonial Awarding of Leadership Badges to participants
“Use your talents and idealism to help change misogynist norms and promote values founded on respect for human rights, respect for diversity, inclusivity, and democracy,” she said. It is time to realize and translate into action the legal imperatives aimed at ending discrimination and men’s violence against women and girls, Dr. Bucoy said.
Zontians showing the Mural Art Works of the Teen Summit participants
“Be part of the challenge to rebuild a more equal and inclusive world “where no one is left behind,” she added.
Workshop 1: Drawing out the Leadership Values
The workshop output demonstrated the beginning transformation of the young leaders, as conduits of change towards gender equality, as seen through their composed song, original dance, poem composition, and paintings.
A job well done Z Club of Childlink High School, Move Mandaue, and Zonta Club Cebu II.