Women’s Month: Greater access to technology, gender equality pushed

Women all over the world continue to break the glass ceiling and achieve greater heights in various fields.  But the struggle remains as millions remain undervalued, deprived and not treated equally in society.

This month's celebration of National Women’s Month recognizes their role and their achievements in the different sectors. It also raises awareness in achieving gender equality in the Philippines.

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) bared a list of activities for this month-long celebration.

With this year’s theme, “We for gender equality and inclusive society,” the PCW emphasized the need for “compassionate and harmonized networks towards gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE).”

The PCW, in partnership with UN Women, will hold “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality."

The commission said the event shall gather advocacy partners, policymakers, gender and development (GAD) advocates in technology, innovation, and ICT, government GAD workers, and the private sector in a full day of sharing and learning.

It said that discussions will revolve around the policies that must be pushed and issues that must be addressed in terms of women’s involvement and contribution to the technology and digital realm.

The PCW said it will also release the results of its online poll “Pulso para sa Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran Online Poll” that was launched in 2022 which aims to set a roadmap for future leaders through getting the pulse of Filipinos on priority issues that must be addressed.

It said that the “Pulso Report” which details the online poll results and will serve as a guide for sitting officials but also for government agencies, private organizations, and GEWE advocates in crafting programs, activities, and projects.

The commission added that it will hold online forum series this month, as well as other activities that can be viewed on its official website and social media sites.

Women’s group Gabriela and the Commission of Human Rights (CHR), together with other women’s groups, held a “Purple Action Day” to appeal the women’s demand for social justice at the start of Women’s Month on Wednesday, March 1.

The groups marched along Commonwealth avenue to CHR’s Liwasang Diokno to recognize the issues and urgent calls of a Filipina.

Gabriela Chairperson Gertrudes Libang called for unity and push back against “state abandonment and attacks.”

“Now more than ever, it is crucial for Filipino women to continue organizing unions to promote the rights and welfare of all workers, and to resist all attempts to silence their just calls,” Libang said.

“History taught us that the rights and liberties we enjoy today weren’t handed to us on a silver platter—it was a product of women and workers’ militant struggles for democracy and justice. We [must] strengthen our unity and push back against state abandonment and attacks,” she added.

CHR commissioner Faydah Dumarpa, meanwhile, recognized the role of women in governance and in “making social justice a reality.”

“We continue the call for the full enjoyment of women’s rights, we call for non-discrimination, and protection from all forms of violence, especially women human rights defenders," Dumarpa said.

"We also highlight the role of women leaders and advocates in advancing good governance, ensuring that no one is left behind, and in making social justice a reality for all,” she added.—LDF, GMA Integrated News