Lady solons to take over House

Is the country ready for a lady House Speaker? Why not?

Women lawmakers will run today the affairs of the House of Representatives and pass salient pro-women bills, particularly the Magna Carta for Women, as they celebrate National Women’s Month.

For one day, the public will witness how a session in Congress will be run if women were to take helm. The activity is a brainchild of the Lady Legislators of the 12th Congress.

"There are many women leaders in our country today. And we expect more women to seek elective posts in the future. By having women lawmakers run a session in Congress is a way of acknowledging our abilities and leadership," said Rep. Cynthia Villar, president of the group.

Villar said it is important to inform and educate women about their rights so they can protect themselves from abuses. She said her group will try to achieve this goal through several activities lined up for this month.

She said they are inaugurating an exhibit today focusing on women’s right, particularly on reproductive health or family planning.

"It is high time that we allow women to decide what is best for them," she said.

Villar said their group will also conduct a medical mission and feeding program in Payatas for the women residents who need medical attention and children who are suffering from malnutrition.

The group will also donate equipment to the day-care center at the House Representatives and bless a Women’s Center in Las Piñas where women can take refuge.

According to Villar, their group will conduct gender sensitivity seminars for two weeks in order to empower women.