The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) joined the nation in honoring the contributions of women in nation-building and their indispensable roles in shaping the society as the country celebrates the National Women’s Month this March.

“We, at the DSWD, are committed to advancing the cause of women’s empowerment and gender equality. Through the years, we have focused on ensuring that women from vulnerable and disadvantaged sectors are not only seen and heard, but also given the inclusive and gender-sensitive tools, resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a video message played during the agency’s flag-raising ceremony on Monday.

The DSWD chief said that through the different programs and services of the agency, countless women are equipped with the skills and knowledge to aid them in decision-making and help them become entrepreneurs and community leaders.

“As we celebrate the National Women’s Month, let us continue to strengthen our efforts towards a gender-equal and inclusive society and ensure that all women have equal opportunities to contribute to a better Philippines,” he said.

This year’s celebration carries the sub-theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” which reinforces the core objective of Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women: To empower women, promote gender equality and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.

Lineup of activities

To kick off the celebration, DSWD employees joined the Purple Parade on the first Monday of March inside the DSWD compound in Quezon City.

A Gender and Development (GAD) Advocates Prayer and an all-women cast “Lupang Hinirang” video will be played during the flag-raising and retreat ceremonies every Monday and Friday, respectively, within the month.

A live press briefing, with the National Women’s Month as the main topic, will be added to the DSWD’s Thursday Media Forum on March 20.

The briefing aims to raise awareness and promote the DSWD’s programs for women, and share stories of DSWD’s internal and external clients who were empowered by the agency and its services.

All officials and employees are encouraged to wear purple every Wednesday throughout the month and extend their support by decorating their offices, landmarks, and public spaces with purple elements as a tribute to women and their invaluable contributions to society.

According to the International Women’s Day website, purple signifies justice, dignity and being loyal to the cause.

In celebration of the International Women’s Day on March 8, all officials and employees of the DSWD are encouraged to wear clothes that represent their gender expression or gender identity on March 7.

The DSWD will also conduct a poem making contest for its employees. Participants must craft a poem of any type aligned with this year’s National Women’s Month sub-theme.

A #JuanaSays online campaign will also be conducted to raise awareness on the challenges of women and ways to achieve gender equality.

In observance of the Women with Disability Day on March 31, the agency will pay tribute to women officials, employees, and other workers with disability by recognizing their hard work and contributions to the agency and its clients. (PNA)