LGUs asked to promote empowerment of women

Delegates of the 7th Women's Congress appealed to local government units to increase livelihood opportunities and entrepreneurial skills for low-income women and for the establishment of network for genuine women empowerment in the field of governance.

In yesterday's ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Professor Roderick Poca presented separate resolutions to President Gloria Arroyo that highlighted women's competencies, role and contribution in nation building.

"To clearly define specific targets and beneficiaries, all component cities and municipalities in the Province of Cebu shall conduct poverty mapping," one resolution said.

The Women's Congress also passed a resolution that read, "municipalities belonging to the fifth-class category may coordinate with the Provincial Women's Commission on gender and development, being the focal point in the implementation of livelihood programs."

The resolutions also call on women leaders in the province, headed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, to mobilize and lobby for women representation in the local legislation bodies and the establishment of a network for genuine women empowerment.

Garcia, in her speech, thanked Arroyo for joining Cebu women in the celebration of Women's Day.

"For today, we celebrate women power. And the power of women to bring about change. I have always believed that change is a female force because it is us women who carry the seeds of change. It's us who live out the cycles of life; it is us who bring forth and nurture life," Garcia said.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, in his memorandum circular to all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and punong barangays, urged them to support and participate in the month-long event by holding programs and activities relevant to this year's theme celebration "CEDAW ng Bayan: Kabuhayan ng Kababaehan" in support of the international theme "Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women." CEDAW stands for Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women.

The DILG also enjoined all LGUs to display streamers following the logo prescribed by the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women.

Puno, likewise, encouraged the conduct of activities related to women economic empowerment such as job fairs, livelihood and trade fairs and exhibits of products of women organizations; showcase and share good practices and recognize exemplary gender and development projects through awards and incentives; and conduct lectures on economic, CEDAW, and other rights of women.

This annual celebration is mandated by Proclamation 227 and Proclamation 224, declaring March of every year as Women's Month, and the first week of March as Women's Week and March 8 as Women's Rights and International Peace Day, respectively. Likewise, Republic Act 6949 declared March 8 as National Women's Day. - Garry B. Lao/MEEV