QC lines up programs for Women’s Month

The Quezon City government has lined up programs and activities this March to mark the annual celebration of National Women’s Month.

Mayor Joy Belmonte will deliver her State of the Women Address today to reiterate the local government’s commitment to protect women from abuse, look after their physical and mental well-being as well as provide them livelihood and education.

Other programs include the month-long free PAP smear testing provided by the QC Protection Center, a bazaar and livelihood training organized by the Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office.

The city’s Gender and Development Office will hold seminars on sexual harassment, women’s rights and mental health. The Public Affairs and Information Services Department will hold a photo contest.

The city’s Public Library will provide free coffee and tokens for the first 500 women clients. The Quezon City council will conduct zumba sessions, medical missions, free cervical cancer screenings and ultrasound.

The city government has received over 2,000 reports of abuses against women since it launched “Men Against Violence Everywhere and Cycling to End Violence Against Women” in 2021.

“Any number other than zero is simply unacceptable,” Belmonte said, as she noted the expansion of services of QC Helpline 122 to respond to reports regarding mental health concerns and violence against women and children (VAWC).

The city also established the QC Protection Center, a one-stop shop crisis center, and Bahay Kanlungan, a temporary shelter for VAWC victims.

The local government has provided bicycles to 600 female workers and livelihood assistance to over 20,000 women, including single mothers.