Women’s groups, men’s organizations, provincial government employees and concerned stakeholders from different private and government line agencies flocked at the Provincial Capitol Building last Monday, March 10, 2008 in commemoration of the National Women’s Month.
Anchored with the local theme: “CEDAW ng Bayan: Yaman ng Kababaihan,” this year’s celebration focuses on the need to generate resources to finance initiatives on gender equality and the empowerment of women.
The 2008 Women’s Month celebration will also serve as a channel for the nationwide campaign to promote the use of gender and development (GAD) budget to finance gender equality and women’s empowerment programs at the national and local levels, specifically in addressing the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Committee’s Concluding Comments.
Before the simple program, Sultan Kudarat women in participation with some men’s organizations joined the “Alay Lakad para sa Kababaihan” which started from Land Bank of the Philippines in Isulan to the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Capitol where the launching ceremony was conducted.
The “Alay Lakad” is a manifestation that the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat stands behind to support the rights of women against discrimination.
On the other hand, Population Program Officer IV and GAD focal person Evangeline Golveque said the annual celebration of Women’s Month is a call to develop the capability of women to address gender equality. Likewise, it is a call for legislators, community leaders and other influentials to support women’s concern.
The celebration also focuses on the importance and the vital role of women not only at home but also in the community.
Mrs. Grace Pingoy, the guest speaker during the launching ceremony cited women’s deep faith in one God, smartness, creativity, being a linguist, resourcefulness, adaptability and flexibility as among the strengths a woman possess so that every woman survive and should be given importance in a community.
The observance of Women’s Month every March is mandated through Proclamation No. 277. Meanwhile, Republic Act 6949 officially declares March 8 of every year as a working special holiday in the country to be known as National Women’s Day.
This provincial launching of National Women’s Month was spearheaded by the provincial government of Sultan Kudarat in cooperation with the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). (PPDO-Sultan Kudarat/PIA 12)
http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080314.htm&no=68
