Today is the start of the Holy Week, then it will be Easter! A fitting reflective period for all about God's love through the sacrifice of His Son, for our redemption, for all of us to be reunited with God.
This month also abounds in reminders about the value of protecting the environment through International Forest Day, Water Day, Earth Hour and more are being disseminated through various media. Without our earth, we will not survive. Protecting and preserving our earth is equal to protecting and preserving humankind, to protecting and preserving ourselves, and honoring God.
March also celebrates women, among this world's marginalized and vulnerable sector. At the Cebu Cultural Center in UP Cebu, the 13th Women's Congress was held on the theme of: “Kababayen-an: Giya sa Pagsubay sa Matarong nga dalan.â€
Under a new government, how are our women treated and how can they best be empowered as human beings and as members of their households, communities, and both the local and global societies?
Ms. Adela A. Kono, a Cebuana Trailblazers 2011 awardee representing the PWDs (people with disabilities) sector, discussed special concerns affecting marginalized sectors/PWDs and the environment.
Who are among the marginalized? These will be those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable by virtue of their social class, gender, race, ethnicity, age and abilities, among other criteria. These are the DKs, those DILI KALAKAW (the lame), DILI- KAKITA (the blind), DILI-KADUNGOG (the deaf), DILI-KASULTI (the mute) and DILI-KAABOT (those short of height).
During normal situations and especially during disasters and emergencies, the PWDs or the DKs are often ignored, forgotten, often the last among those to be serviced, if at all.
Some are even displayed, now and then, exploited by some abusive individuals, groups, and agencies.
Like everyone else, however, the PWDs or the DKs are just like everyone else: with human needs and human rights.
Women who belong to the poor sector of society, who are not of the predominant race or ethnicity, young or elderly, and, with disabilities can be considered among, if not the most marginalized in society.
What can be done for and with them?
It can help if they are recognized where they are. It will help to know how many they are and their situation. It will go a long way if within their community, within their households, their needs and their rights are recognized,responded to, and respected. Their households and their communities, however, also need to be educated and shown how to be empowered first so they can share and use their power for others, especially and including the PWDs and DKs.
How can the PWDs and DKs be assisted to be economically independent? Do they have access to education, to health and other welfare services? Are they allowed to participate, on their own free will? Are they allowed to express themselves and pursue dreams that can improve their quality of life?
There are already existing models for allowing greater accessibility of resources, services and rights. PWDs themselves have actively grouped together, studied their situation, and defined their needs and rights.
But so much more need to be done, together as a people, as a nation, as a whole global community. Initial steps have been taken but more have to be taken consistently, comprehensively, together. PWDs among the marginalized millions of women locally and globally certainly, seriously, urgently need everyone's attention and partnership to build safer, better world for all.
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Email:cherryb_thefreeman@yahoo.com