ZCME Celebrates United Nations Day
The Zonta Club of Makati & Environs (ZCME) celebrated United Nations Day on October 24, 2023 at the Jonathan Dy Hall of the Security Bank building in Makati City.
The centerpiece of the celebration was a “Fireside Chat” with H.E. MaryKay Carlson, the Ambassador of the United States to the Philippines, and Ms. Rebekah Eubanks, Deputy Mission Director of USAID, conducted by ZCME past president (2008-2010) Olga Severino Martel.
The Club’s distinguished guests conversed with Olga on matters related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 5 -- Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.
Ambassador Carlson shared her journey and career path that led her to become the US Ambassador to the Philippines. She gave her views on the UN SDG No. 5, and strategies on how to advance gender equality. She emphasized the importance of being authentic, self-confident and to never say no to opportunities offered to you as a woman . She asserted that women should speak out and make themselves heard.
Ms. Rebekah Eubanks elaborated on the programs of USAID in the Philippines that impact gender equality and women empowerment, such as promoting socio-economic growth and protecting women’s rights, which are human rights. USAID works with partners to improve the quality of both basic and higher education across the country. It’s programs involve the youth in governance processes to train them as future leaders of the community. To support broad-based and inclusive growth USAID has projects that involve indigenous people’s communities to make sure that “no one is left behind.”
