Barangays told to designate women officials for a day

City officials recently encouraged the city’s one hundred twenty-eight barangays to designate women officials for a day on March 8, 2023 in celebration of women’s month.

Under Resolution No. 143, series of 2023, local legislators stated that to inspire women to take on leadership roles, it is proper to provide them an opportunity to harness their leadership skills and enable them to experience the spirit of gender equality and inclusion in governance at the grassroots level.

For the initial implementation of women officials for a day, only the position of the barangay council shall be filled up and shall hold office only on the aforesaid date.

The council tasked the Liga ng mga Barangay and the City Social Welfare and Development Office to coordinate with the city’s barangays to lead in the implementation of the said program.

The body noted that women’s rights in the country started in 1937 by a women’s suffrage movement. Since then, progression towards gender equality came about through women’s movements, increased number of women political representatives, increased number of educated women, greater specific city on women; issues instituted under legislation, and the focused application of the said laws.

According to the council, today, women have the right to vote, can be voted upon for public office and actively participate in various fields.

Moreover, women are acknowledged as catalysts for change and development that benefit the family, the community and the society as a whole, women have become increasingly involved in politics and occupy important seats in public office.

Proclamation No. 224, series of 1988, declared the first week of March of every year as ‘women’s week’ and Republic Act (RA) 6949 also declared March 8 of every year as National Women’ Day.

The said laws were issued in recognition of the role and contributions of women in nation building, and the acknowledgement of the celebration women’   day and women empowerment.

In celebration of women’s month for the years 2023-2028, the theme ‘Women and Everyone Forging their Equality and Inclusive Society, was adopted in consonance with the Philippine development Plan 2023-2028. – Dexter A. See