Empowering women to foster inclusivity and diversity
NATIONAL Women’s Month (NWM) celebrates women’s achievements and advocates for gender equality and equal opportunities.
This annual celebration, established in 1988 by former president Corazon Aquino through Proclamation No. 227, honors Filipino women’s contributions to nationbuilding, including politics, economics and socioculture.
The theme, “WE (Women Empowerment) for gender equality and inclusive society,” will be observed from 2023 to 2028 and aligns with the Philippine Development Plan. The celebration serves as a call to action, urging accelerated efforts towards achieving full gender parity.
The #PurpleFridays movement adds a touch of solidarity to the month-long celebration, encouraging individuals to wear purple every Friday as a symbol of support for gender equality. This collective gesture unites people in their commitment to empowering women and creating a more inclusive society.
WE for gender equality
This year’s theme, “WE for gender equality and inclusive society!” alongside the subtheme, “Social equity in the new Philippines; Women empowerment, proven,” underscores the importance of breaking gender norms and empowering women from all backgrounds.
As the NWM Celebration begins, the Philippine Commission on Women shares the #JuanaSays, highlighting women’s resilience, strength and determination in overcoming adversity.
Francel Margareth Padilla, the first female spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, exemplifies the courage and perseverance of women in breaking gender barriers.
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman’s advocacy for women’s economic empowerment further underscores the importance of women’s participation and leadership towards financial stability and economic inclusivity. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first Muslim woman to serve as the DBM Secretary.
One of the standout events of NWM is “Bridging the gap: Technology and women’s empowerment in Business.”
Leanne Robers, co-founder of She Loves Tech will shed light on how technology can propel women’s entrepreneurship and break barriers in the business world. Industry leaders will discuss how to foster inclusivity and unlock women’s potential in the corporate sphere.
Senator Loren Legarda is a champion for the rights and welfare of women, youth and children. Her legislative efforts include supporting the passage of crucial laws like the Magna Carta of Women and the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, among others.
The Magna Carta of Women is the comprehensive women’s human rights law aimed at eradicating discrimination by acknowledging, safeguarding, ensuring fulfilment and advocating for the rights of Filipino women, particularly those from marginalized sectors in society.
It mandates all government offices, including government owned and controlled corporations and local government units, to adopt gender mainstreaming as a strategy for implementing the law and attaining its objectives.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos says he “hopes to see more women in key leadership positions in the country” and reiterates that the “administration remains steadfast in implementing the Magna Carta of Women at all levels of government.”
During the Lady Local Legislators League of the Philippines oath-taking in December 2023, Marcos emphasizes the importance of equal participation of women across all sectors.
“We can broaden the growth opportunities and enhance the role of women in our society. So, most importantly, create a conducive and nurturing environment for women and girls to participate freely and equally in our political, social and economic spheres,” Marcos says.
We Can Be EquALL campaign
The Philippine Embassy in Singapore joins NWM 2024, emphasizing Filipino women’s contributions and advocating for gender equality.
The 2024 NWM’s sub-theme “Lipunang patas sa bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng kababaihan, Patutunayan!,” (An equal society in the New Philippines: Proving the power of women) strives to highlight the capabilities of women and girls.
It includes programs, activities and projects to integrate gender and development, engage men in promoting gender equality and establish supportive legal frameworks for women.
The embassy dedicates March 17 as a special “Sunday operation day” for female kababayans and launches the “We Can Be EquALL” campaign to promote gender equality and inclusivity.
Through these initiatives, the embassy reaffirms its commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women.
The Philippines has achieved much in promoting gender equality, as evidenced by its ranking of 16th among 146 countries globally in the Global Gender Gap Index by the World Economic Forum. Despite these advancements, challenges persist and there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender parity.
#InspireInclusion
As NWM coincides with International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, the global celebration emphasizes the theme #InspireInclusion, promoting diversity and empowering women from all walks of life.
IWD calls to inspire inclusion, empower women and create a more equitable world for all. This also aims to support women’s advancement by providing them with the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.
Diversity in leadership is crucial for driving progress and innovation, as women from diverse backgrounds bring unique perspectives and experiences.
IWD 2024 pledges to support and elevate women from diverse backgrounds into leadership roles. Education is pivotal in empowering them to break barriers and pursue their aspirations. Investing in education and providing opportunities for women to succeed creates a more inclusive society.
These women not only defy expectations, but also make significant contributions to society. However, merely celebrating women’s achievements falls short.
Addressing systemic barriers that impede their progress is essential. These include challenging stereotypes, dismantling gender biases and cultivating supportive environments where all women feel safe, supported and empowered.
A brighter future can be forged for women and girls worldwide by collectively promoting inclusion and diversity. IWD serves as a rallying cry to inspire inclusion, empower women and foster a more equitable world.
Celebrating women’s accomplishments not only pays homage to their achievements, but also ignites inspiration for future generations. Their stories of perseverance, leadership and innovation empower others to pursue their dreams and challenge societal norms.