With March designated as National Women’s Month, Filipinos from different walks of life take part in the month’s slated activities and events, doing their share in fighting for the fruition of gender equality in its truest sense and ideal.
Borne from the celebration of the first International Women’s Day held in 1909 in the United States, the late President Corazon Aquino, in 1988, declared that the first week of March be known as Women’s Week in the Philippines, along with the celebration of March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day (though Proclamation No. 224).
In uniting different nations in fighting for a common cause, the global observance of women’s month has done well in defining the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women, with different societies significantly changing their stance and views towards women and their role in society over the years.
However, based on figures taken from the United Nations, there are still 603 million women worldwide who live in countries where domestic violence is still not considered as a crime, just as global statistics note that 50% of worldwide sexual assaults are committed on girls who are under 16 years of age.
Based on the above mentioned figures, to say that the global eradiation of violence and abuse towards women have come to a halt in this day and age would be a huge understatement, further giving relevance and value in the celebration of International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month.
Here in the Philippines, the Philippine Commission on Women (pcw.gov.ph) plays an integral role in implementing the observance of National Women’s Month, as well as leading women towards empowerment and gender equality.
Driven by the factors which had initially brought the first International Women’s Day into being, this year’s theme – “Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan†(Women: You are the guide towards the right path) – gives emphasis on the positive implications of women’s representation in achieving the ideals of good governance, highlighting the significant impact women have in issues such as politics, conflict resolution and peace-building.
Though the Philippines has taken a progressive view towards women and societal roles, the matter of violence and abuse against women remains to be a societal rut which continues to prevail.
In the struggle for equality, justice, peace and development, the observance and celebration of National Women’s Month continues to bear meaning and value, not just for Filipinas but for the country as a whole.
ROWENA LU Y. MONTECILLO
Regional Director, Department of Tourism - Central Visayas Region
As empowered women of the 21st century, it is important that we celebrate and recognize the many roles that women play in the development and growth of our society. Women do not only play a hugely important role in fostering and caring for their families but also play an indispensable role in all aspects in the society.
It was not long ago that women fought for equality and though we have made considerable grounds, there is still a long way to go. Cases of violations against women are still being reported and in some parts of the country and the world, women still face abuse, discrimination, unjust persecution and exploitation.
Advocacy and Awareness are just two of the tools that we can use in making the voices of women be heard. Despite the fact that there are already quite a number of empowered women in our society, even holding top strategic political posts, we still need to continue to encourage women to achieve their full potential. We need to persist in breaking the norm until gender equality can be fully achieved.
MAE ELAINE T. BATHAN
Assistant Dean, University of San Jose Recoletos School of Law and President, Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu City Chapter
In a world that clamors about gender sensitivity and equality, one cannot help but wonder whether the celebration of women’s month still holds significance today.
In the Philippines, we see so many empowered women make their mark in this great nation’s history. Women have begun etching their names in various government posts while others have showcased raw Filipino talent in the international community. Over the years, we have shown to the world the strength of a woman, that of being capable of showing gentleness and compassion while being tough and courageous at the same time.
And yet, we still see so many women fall victim and prey of several forms of abuses. There is still a great deal of issues that need to be heard and addressed to protect the rights of women. Much is yet to be done to fully achieve women empowerment. There are still many unsung lady heroes whose lives are worthy of emulation and thus warrant recognition.
In as much as celebrating women and their role in the society should be a daily practice, it is equally important to spend an entire month each year to celebrate our femininity, a time where we can highlight our essence and inspire others to break barriers between and among genders.
JESSELIN M. BOQUIREN
Brand Manager/Proprietor, Venom III Clothing Inc.
Managing a clothing line that has tie-ups with indie bands and the local music scene is not an easy thing to do.
The fact that I am a woman in an industry that is dominated by males makes things more challenging, but my being a woman has never stopped me from overcoming those challenges and doing what I love.
Sure, customers, suppliers and partners assume that I am a “sir†at first, but those initial impressions don’t really bother me.
What bothers me are women who feel that their being a woman is the reason why they can’t fight for their dreams, and men who think that women are second class citizens who are not capable of doing what they can. Suarez Taguchi