Inspirational Dinner at the Philippine Embassy

Inspirational Dinner at the Philippine Embassy

To mark 121 years since women gained the right to vote in New Zealand, Suffrage Day, 19 September, Her Excellency, Virginia Benavidez, Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand hosted an inspirational dinner for fourteen college students from the Wellington Region and members of the Zonta Club of Wellington, whose aims are to work together to advance the status of women worldwide.

The dinner which was held at “Ang Bahay” her residence, provided an opportunity for students to enjoy formal and gracious Philippine surroundings, hospitality and experience their cuisine and delights.

The occasion provided an opportunity for young women students to mingle, talk, listen and be inspired by the life story and careers of high achieving compassionate women in a relaxed setting.

Her Excellency spoke of her life and career as a diplomat and what sacrifices she had to make to become an Ambassador for her country which had always been her desire. She also talked about interconnectedness between the Philippines and New Zealand and the increased Trade and common goals. She encouraged discussion around the dining table as well as questions and was a most entertaining host.

Lynn McKenzie, the Immediate Past President of Zonta International, the first New Zealander to hold this global position, talked about the selflessness of Kate Sheppard and what she achieved for the women of New Zealand and indeed the rest of the world. Encouraging all those present, if old enough, to vote as in parts of the world women do not have the opportunity or the choices we take for granted in New Zealand. She also spoke about her commitment to serve and to deliver on Zonta projects. Lynn had visited Liberia where they were treating fistula, and Rwanda where they are eliminating new paediatric HIV and visiting these countries were life changing experiences for her.

Zontian guest Helen Bowie posed the question to the students “what legacy they would like or expect from Zontians in the future?” One of the replies reflected the overall response, noteably “What I am about to say is a big ask. I would like you to provide us with safety and security for all children – no matter their age gender identity, nationality religion sexuality or wealth – in the future generations. The safety to grant them the freedom to grow and pursue whatever dreams they fancy without the burdens of discrimination, environmental catastrophe, disease, poverty or oppression based on gender. Freedom to be themselves and to form the basis for a new global community”.

Her Excellency and Zonta members were in turn inspired by the contributions of the outstanding women students who attended the evening. They were left with a sense that amongst the young guests are the future leaders in New Zealand – which is indeed an exciting prospect.

The evening concluded on an hilarious note. The science behind the magnificent dessert which was served to all. Enormous individual ice igloos filled with fruit salad and chocolate ice cream.

This was designed by Her Excellency and everyone became speechless!!

ends

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