One of the traditions that Xavier University Festival Days has kept over the years is the bike caravan. It is an activity whose meaning, and significance transcend movement and distance.
The bike caravan was held on 29 November 2023, from Corrales Avenue to JR Borja, Mortola, and Hayes Sts. It was a blending of the strength of a community, activism, and physical activity. Incorporated into this activity is the celebration of the 2023 18-day campaign to end violence against women with the 2022-2027 recurring theme, "UNITED for a VAW-free Philippines." The participants did not just pedal towards a healthier lifestyle and cleaner environment but actively engaged in the campaign against violence and towards advocacy for a brighter and safer future for women. The riders became moving symbols of the strength needed to address this issue.
As Xavier University aspires for change and innovation, it recognizes the difficulties of women who experience physical, emotional, psychological, verbal, and economic violence daily. It not only condemns violence but also educates, uplifts, and builds a future where every woman is free from fear and human rights violations. It is about fostering a culture of respect, equality, and support.
The success of the bike caravan is the fruit of collaborative partnerships with several university departments, offices, units, and student organizations led by the Xavier University Festival Days Committee, the Cagayan de Oro Bikers Club, and tri-sikad drivers from Barangay Nazareth. It represents Xavier University's collective determination to raise awareness, promote empowerment, and advocate for change. It sends out the message that gender-based violence has no place in this university or our society. The campaign emphasized that everyone has a role to play, irrespective of age, gender, background, or economic status. The ride is not just for the participants but also for the countless women who yearn for a world where their rights are respected, their voices are heard, and their lives are safe.