Empowered women inspire with valuable insights at Women’s Month finale
WOMEN’S MONTH FINALE. Empowered women leaders persist in sharing their stories of challenges and achievements, inspiring connection, and promoting gender equality and inclusivity within society, as the 2023 Women’s Month celebration draws to a close. (In photo from left: Joseph B. Zambrano of PIA; DSWD ARD for Operations Amelyn P. Cabrera; Mac James T. Dacillo of DOH-CAR; Jennifer A. Mejia-Dizon of DICT-CAR; Perlita V. Panganiban of DSWD-CAR; Anita Mayapit of the La Trinidad Women’s Brigade; Elizabeth Bayla of the Baguio City PWD Women’s Organization; Middle Quezon Hill Barangay Captain Edita L. Ibarra; and RDC Co-Chair Ferdinand P. Gonzales of NEDA-CAR) Photo by: Merriam del Rosario, FNS
BAGUIO CITY – Women leaders from various fields and capacities gathered at the RDC Hall of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Compound in Baguio City on Friday, March 31, 2023, to mark the end of the Women’s Month celebration.
The event provided a platform for the women leaders to share their unique stories, insights, and journeys on the challenges and opportunities faced by women in their respective areas.
Among the speakers were Quezon Hill (Middle) Barangay Captain and the Federation of Senior Citizens Association president Edita L. Ibarra, who was hailed the youngest Barangay Captain 45 years ago.
Ibarra shared powerful insights on the crucial topics of women’s empowerment at the barangay level, gender equality, and human rights.
“True women empowerment can be achieved if only society will uphold the dignity of both men and women and let us try to accept that men and women are equal in worth and dignity, therefore they deserve equal respect,” Ibarra said.
“Equality is being given equal opportunities and fully using one’s abilities accordingly. We should also realize and accept that human rights are not something granted by the government, but inalienable to every person,” Ibarra added.
Another speaker was Ms. Elizabeth Bayla, a person with a disability (PWD) who now leads the PWD Women’s Organization of Baguio City.
Bayla is a part-time teacher, a writer, a sports enthusiast, and an advocate, who also is a national para-archer.
She is enthusiastic about sharing her own story and aspires to inspire and empower other women and PWD groups to overcome their disabilities and persevere without surrendering.
Ms. Anita Mayapit, president of the La Trinidad Women’s Brigade, shared the inspiring story of their all-women brigade and their efforts towards promoting peace and order in the community.
Transgender woman Mac James T. Dacillo of the Regional Health Department (DOH-CAR), who specializes in gender mainstreaming in public health, LGBTQIA++ studies, and research, among others, highlighted the still apparent discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA++ community.
“The LGBTQIA++ is still lagged behind when it comes to rights and equal protection. It is not yet fully accepted in the Philippines, it is only tolerated, because there is no law or specific mandate protecting the rights of the LGBTQIA++,” Dacillo said.
Dacillo urged the public to support LGBTQIA++ research, pointing out that there are many identities within the community yet to be explored and understood.
Despite the challenges, Dacillo expressed enthusiasm about the positive impact of having LGBTQIA++ individuals in the healthcare sector, as it creates opportunities to advocate for their rights, challenge societal prejudices, and ultimately foster more inclusive attitudes towards the LGBTQIA++ community.
“The healthcare workforce is powered by women since time immemorial brought about by the care-related task as a gender role by women,” Dacillo said.
“We have a lot of LGBTQIA++ members within the healthcare sector, from barangay health workers to doctors, and that is one way of advancing our rights, changing how people see the LGBTQIA++ as a community,” Dacillo added.
Ms. Perlita V. Panganiban from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Ms. Jennifer A. Mejia-Dizon from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), both recipients of the Outstanding Woman Leader of Baguio City Award, shared their valuable experiences and insights on breaking down barriers, promoting discipline, and advocating for the everyday recognition of women’s contributions.
“Let us highlight the partnership of women and men not only during Women’s Month but every day of the year,” Panganiban said.
“Let us not make gender and development activities active only in March, but all throughout the year,” Mejia-Dizon said.
During his welcome remarks, DSWD Regional Director for Cordillera Leo Quintilla, represented by Assistant Regional Director for Operations Amelyn P. Cabrera, emphasized the importance of advocating for gender equality and inclusivity to ensure that women’s voices are heard.
“Extend to all women the due respect they deserve, regardless of culture, social class, economic standing, educational background, and religious affiliation,” Cabrera stated.
“We are all human beings, not above or below our male counterparts, but at par and of equal footing with them. It is with this togetherness that we can make this world a better place for us to live for our children and for the succeeding generations,” Cabrera added. # Merriam del Rosario // FNS
