Groups rally for pending bills on womens' rights

CEBU, Philippines – Women groups in Cebu that joined yesterday’s celebration of Women’s Day rallied for the passage of the controversial Reproductive Health Bill, as well as the Magna Carta of Women Bill.

Even with the strong opposition by the Catholic Church, women members of the Bukluran sa Ikauunlad ng Sosyalistang Isip at Gawa– Cebu said they see the bill as a tool for women empowerment.

BISIG-Cebu chairwoman Ruth Restauro said that contrary to misconceptions, the bill “promises women of power over her own body,” which would benefit herself, as well as her family.

And while the Church has frowned on contraception, Restauro said the bill merely suggests the same and does not necessarily promote it.

“This is for those women who do not want to have a child yet because they think they still have no capability to have and raise one,” she said.

Restauro contended that if women are educated about reproductive health, fewer women would get pregnant at an early age where pregnancy risks usually occur. She further contended that access to health care services does not necessarily encourage abortion.

Meanwhile, the Alliance of Progressive Labor-Women and Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party also pushed for the Magna Carta of Women Bill, the proposed legislation the seeks to recognize the role of women in nation building and ensures the substantive equality of women and men.

The bill also condemns discrimination against women in all its forms and pursues all appropriate means to reduce discrimination.

APL-Women said it is but proper for women to participate in all decision makings, “as life begins with them and leaders start to develop and grow at home under their care.”

Emmalyn Aliviano, spokesperson of the Kilusan Para sa Pambansang Demokrasya, said that with the magna carta, women liberation shall be promoted and discriminations of women in the workplace, school, community and family shall be reduced. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)