#INFAIRNESS: A CALL FOR GENDER EQUALITY
Now that finding a trustworthy kasambahay is becoming extra challenging, working parents need to rely on each other even more in running the household efficiently.
Most often, though, the tough balancing act primarily rests on the women as they painstakingly juggle chores, being mothers, and working full-time.
“At home, unless men take on a greater share of domestic responsibilities, many women will drop out of the labor force from which could negatively affect our economy,” states a report entitled The Power of Parity: Advancing Women’s Equality in Asia Pacific”
Recently, Dabawenyos joined the nationwide call for gender equality at the Davao City Hall as they participated in the regional launch of #inFAIRness, a campaign supported by Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australian Government; SPARK! Philippines; and Mr. Click eMarketing Services, Inc. Separate launches were also conducted in Manila and Cebu.
The #inFAIRness movement seeks to “normalize the role of men at home and encourage women’s economic empowerment”.
Speaking on behalf of the City Government of Davao was Councilor Avegayle Omalza while Political and Public Affairs Counsellor Clare Duffield represented the Australian Embassy. Local government officials, advocacy and transport groups, as well as civil society leaders attended the event.
“We are working on promoting shared tasks at home, recognizing the importance of women’s economic role, and breaking stereotypes”, says SPARK! Philippines Executive Director Mikaela Teves.
SPARK! Philippines or Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran (Alliance of Women for Reform and Progress) has “launched projects that focus on the protection of women’s rights, promotion of gender equality, and advancing women’s economic and political role”.
The #inFAIRness campaign aims to employ both traditional and digital approaches to drive public awareness around the gender equality agenda. In relation to this, stickers with gender equality messages were posted in public utility vehicles throughout Davao in partnership with the Department of Transportation and the local city government.
“This will be accompanied by a social media campaign, all in the hope of encouraging Dabawenyos to take up the advocacy and become part of a nationwide community that believes in a fair and equal Philippines,” explains Mr. Click President Romeo Sustiguer, Jr.
A day after the regional launch in Davao, marketing and advertising practitioners were invited to be part of the gender and advocacy training sessions in support of the campaign.
To learn more about the movement, follow #inFAIRness on social media: Facebook: @inFAIRnessmovement; Instagram: @inFAIRnessmovement; and Twitter: @inFAIRnessPH.
E-mail the author at mom. about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit http://momabouttowndavao. blogspot.com/