Women's Month spotlights women's economic rights
by PS Mabaquiao

San Jose, Antique (7 March) -- The Philippine government will once again commemorate the campaign for women's rights in this year's celebration of Women's Day on March 8. No less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be the guest of honor at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

This year's celebration is anchored on the theme" CEDAW ng Bayan: Kabuhayan ng Kababaihan" to highlight the importance of women's economic empowerment rights. (CEDAW - Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women).

This year's celebration advocates for more effective implementation of laws and policies to improve the economic life of women in the country.

Launching of the women's month celebration in Antique will be on March 13 with a parade around the major thoroughfares of San Jose, Antique's capital town, after which the program will follow at the EBJ Freedom Park. Commissioner Purificacion Quisumbing of the Commission on Human Rights, Karina David, Chairperson of Civil Service Commission and Director Liza Jane Estalila of Department of Foreign Affairs are expected to grace the occasion.

The Gender and Development Inter-Agency Committee will award livelihood assistance package to women who are into small scale business or are willing to become entrepreneurs for them to earn income and become productive during the culminating activity on March 30.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the province has passed the Gender and Development Code in 2006 with provisions on women's equal access to credit and income generating projects, protection against abuse and violence and reproductive health among others.

The Provincial Government has been supporting various women's organization through micro finance, and assistance to women in especially difficult circumstances through the Provincial Women's Desk and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

Governor Salvacion Z. Perez urged local officials, non-government organizations and other stakeholders to support activities of women especially providing opportunities for them to earn income and become economically stable. (PIA)

yes, no to chauvinists. hehehehe