By Nanette Guadalquiver/PNA
BACOLOD CITY — Some 500 women leaders and advocates in Negros Occidental joined the opening activity for the observance of the National Women’s Month at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central here on Friday.
The event, spearheaded by the Provincial Council for Women (PCW)-Negros Occidental, highlighted the theme “Agenda ni Juana and Making Change Work for Women”.
Lawyer Andrea Lizares-Si, chairperson of PCW, said 2019 is a milestone for PCW, which is also celebrating the 25th year of its creation through Provincial Ordinance 54, Series of 1994.
This year’s activities include the initiatives on the establishment of gender and development (GAD) database, assessment of GAD mainstreaming in the local government units, and a panel discussion on what women want from candidates and elected officials.
Sixth District Board Member Helen, in her message during the program, said the provincial government ensures that all local government units are gender-responsive, recognize and enhance the capabilities of both men and women to contribute and benefit from this development.
“I urge all local government units to promote gender responsive policies and mandate non-discriminatory equity measures that will enable women’s participation in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies and plans of the local government,” said Zafra, who chairs the Provincial Board’s committee on women and children.
She also called on the women leaders to renew their commitment and reignite their advocacy.
“Let us be inspired in what we have achieved so far as well as be encouraged to continue to work for a society where men and women are given equal opportunities, and where discrimination and abuse no longer exist,” the provincial official added.
Moreover, Si discussed the Gender Responsive Local Government Unit or GeRL Ka Ba Self-Assessment advocated by the PCW and the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO).
The program will be used by the component cities and municipalities of the province, with the assistance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, to check the level of GAD mainstreaming in their respective localities.
Marie June Pavillar-Castro, former PCW chair and current adviser, gave a briefing on the Barangay GAD Database survey initiative of the PPDO, led by its chief Ma. Lina Sanogal, and the Liga ng mga Barangay headed by Board Member Juvy Pepello.
