COTABATO CITY (March 13, 2023) — The celebration of the 2023 Women’s Month has paved the way to recognize the significant contributions of women and their pursuit for a gender-equitable and inclusive society.
On Bangsamoro YoutHours 46th episode, BYC’s Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Halia Salainto said women’s month served as a venue for the women to be empowered, and to strengthen awareness about women’s struggles for their rights and for gender equity.
With the theme “WE for Gender Equity and Inclusive Society”, the celebration in BARMM aligns with the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) 2023-2028 and the BARMM 12-Point Priority Agenda.
The observance begun in the early century when women were protesting against low wages, lack of protective legislation and the very poor working conditions to which women workers were subjected during that time.
The said protest was later recognized by the United Nations and officially declared to celebrate women’s contributions to all societies.
Salainto emphasized that women, especially in BARMM, should empower themselves by learning their rights and what they can contribute to make positive changes in the society as they are also an integral part of the Bangsamoro struggle.
“Let us learn our roles and responsibilities as women. Learn about our rights and contribute positive changes in our society,” Salainto said.
“Let us learn from the struggles of our forefathers – the adversities they encountered that gave us the freedom that we are currently enjoying,” she added.
The observance of Women’s Month in the Philippines began in 1988 by virtue of Proclamation No. 224 proclaiming the first week of March as Women’s Week. This was later expanded to the entire month to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality through proclamation order no. 227 series of 1988.
The said celebration is a call not only for a gender-responsive society but an inclusive one. (BYC PR Unit/AAA)
