Simonian women rally vs exploitation, violence
SAN SIMON - “Rise, resist, unite because women can!”
This was the battlecry of the Simonian community as they collectively rose up against violence and exploitation of women and joined in the global observance of International Women’s Day.
Simonian women leaders from all sectors of society led by Mayor Leonora Wong took their campaign of gender equality and women empowerment out in the street in the early morning rally dubbed as “#RealChange: Girl Power Walk” held in Barangay San Agustin yesterday.
Wong said that the power walk, which traversed the MacArthur Highway here, is aimed at showcasing the unity and collective efforts of Simonian women in the pursuit of a dignified and empowered life for every Juana.
“The role of women has evolved today. Many of us are already empowered and we wanted to show to the community that we can and we will.
Our call for today is to observe gender equality and stop the violence and exploitation of women,” she said.
Wong said that the local government here is ensuring the security and protection of women, especially oppressed ones, through various social programs implemented up to the grassroots level.
Among them is the establishment of the two-storey, P3-million Local Shelter for Women and Children which serves as a refuge for needy, vulnerable and oppressed Simonians, said Wong.
“Since I assumed post, I ensured that all women in San Simon will be empowered. In the local government, almost 200 of the total 300 employees are women and I can proudly say that our governance is efficient,” she said.
To further educate female Simonians of their rights, the local government also hosted a seminar entitled “Empowered Women Series” which tackled economic issues and opportunities faced by Filipinas, and violence against women and how to resist it.
The forum, facilitated each by Senior Labor Officer Rachel Agustin of the Department of Labor and Employment and Senior Police Officer 2 Josephine Canlas, aims to enlighten women on their roles and rights in their families and in the community.
Participants comprised of women local officials, municipal employees, barangay officials and health workers, senior citizens, policewomen, Girl Scouts of the Philippines and representatives from the academe and local media also joined in the pledge of commitment to help stop violence against women and promote empowerment which was sealed through a handprint in the pledge wall.
“This is our share in the global crusade to stop violence against women and the local government and people of San Simon will continue to help in the promotion of women empowerment through our own means,” Wong said.