WOMEN’S MONTH TOWARDS GENDER-EQUITABLE

AND INCLUSIVE SOCIETY

April 12, 2023

COTABATO CITY (March 13, 2023) — The celebration of the 2023 Women’s
Month has paved the way to recognize the significant contributions of
women and their pursuit for a gender-equitable and inclusive society.

On Bangsamoro YoutHours 46th episode, BYC’s Gender and Development

(GAD) Focal Halia Salainto said women’s month served as a venue for the
women to be empowered, and to strengthen awareness about women’s
struggles for their rights and for gender equity.

With the theme “WE for Gender Equity and Inclusive Society”, the
celebration in BARMM aligns with the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP)
2023-2028 and the BARMM 12-Point Priority Agenda.
The observance begun in the early century when women were protesting
against low wages, lack of protective legislation and the very poor working
conditions to which women workers were subjected during that time.

The said protest was later recognized by the United Nations and officially
declared to celebrate women’s contributions to all societies.

Salainto emphasized that women, especially in BARMM, should empower

themselves by learning their rights and what they can contribute to make
positive changes in the society as they are also an integral part of the
Bangsamoro struggle.

“Let us learn our roles and responsibilities as women. Learn about our rights
and contribute positive changes in our society,” Salainto said.

“Let us learn from the struggles of our forefathers – the adversities they
encountered that gave us the freedom that we are currently enjoying,” she
added.

The observance of Women’s Month in the Philippines began in 1988 by virtue

of Proclamation No. 224 proclaiming the first week of March as Women’s
Week. This was later expanded to the entire month to promote women’s
empowerment and gender equality through proclamation order no. 227
series of 1988.

The said celebration is a call not only for a gender-responsive society but an
inclusive one. (BYC PR Unit/AAA)

SOURCE:
Bangsamoro Youth Commission. 2023, April 12. Women’s Month Towards
Gender-Equitable and Inclusive Society’. Retrieved from
https://byc.bangsamoro.gov.ph/2023/04/12/news/womens-month-
towards-gender-equitable-and-inclusive-society/