MARCH is International Women’s Month. It has been designated to acknowledge and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of women around the world.
With the theme: “Celebrating Women of Character, Courage, and Commitment,” people are encouraged to examine the changing cultural perceptions of women in society, and to honor their contributions to all aspects of life.
The Philippines joins this global campaign through its theme: “Juana, ang Tatag mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong.”
According to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), this year’s celebration of Women’s Month aims to pay tribute to the strong and resilient “Juanas,” who bring inspiring and significant changes to the country and across the globe.
This month, the role of women are highlighted—through rehabilitation and the road to progress.
“With the recent geological, socio-economic and political upheavals that shook the country last year, 2014 brings a new ray of hope that will pave the way for healing, recovery and reconciliation. From the Zamboanga crisis to the pork barrel scandal, the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu, and the strongest typhoon history has ever recorded, and many disaster in other parts of the country, the Filipino spirit remains indomitable and unbowed,” PCW posted on its website.
On March 3, President Benigno S. Aquino III also paid tribute to Filipinas during a flag-raising ceremony in Malacañang. He conveyed his highest recognition to the strong and resilient Filipina — for her indomitable spirit and over-all contribution during the recent challenges the country faced last year.
“Nakikiisa tayo sa mundo sa pagdiriwang ng International Women’s Day at sa pagbibigay pugay sa mga kababaihan sa loob at labas ng bansa. Sa araw na ito, mapagtibay nawa natin ang panatang itaguyod sa isang patas ng lipunang nagkakaisa sa pagbuo ng maliwanag ng bukas,” Aquino said in his message.
With the support of Filipinas, Aquino vowed that his government will take cares of its citizens, leaving no one behind.
“Sa mga kababaihang nagpaalab ng liwanag ng pag-asa sa mga panahong iyon na walang-pagod na nag-aruga sa pamilyang nasalanta at nakilahok sa pagbangon, saludo ako sa inyo. Maging daan nawa ang pagdiriwang na ito upang mapanibago ang inyong pagtataya sa tuwid na daan. Makailanman mang uli tayong subukin, hindi tayo mapayuyuko,” Aquino further said.
Also on a special session on Monday, Filipina lawmakers joined the celebration of Women’s Month by taking over a special session in the House of Representatives.
Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Gina de Venecia, presided over the opening of session, leading other Filipina legislators to hear various issues related to women, ranging from women’s rights to cybercrimes.
“To strengthen our influence, we decided to unite, because in a world where there are many voices, it is important that the women’s voice is heard,” Rep. De Venecia said during the plenary session. De Venecia also noted that the 79 women legislators in the 16th Congress is the “biggest in history.”
True enough, Filipinas now hold important positions in government: 6 female senators, 647 women occupying third level government positions, not to mention notable Filipina leaders of different organizations across the globe. Others have been appointed to high government posts as Cabinet members, Supreme Court and court justices, ambassadors, educators, administrators, and heads of business and industrial companies.
In 2013, the Philippines was hailed by World Economic Forum (WEF) as Asia’s best performing country and 5th in the world, when it comes to closing gender disparity.
In its 2013 Global Gender Gap Report, WEF said that the country has finally entered the top 5 list because of improvements in Economic Participation and Opportunity.
“The Philippines is the only country in Asia and the Pacific that has fully closed the gender gap in both education and health,” the report also noted.
We applaud these trailblazing Filipinas, who have excelled in different fields and endeavors. May they continue to inspire people around them, to foster and promote equal opportunities for all genders.
Today, Juana is truly empowered.
(AJPress)
