As a first-of-its-kind initiative to promote gender equality, the Province of South Cotabato launched its Women’s Month celebration with the Men for WoMen Empowerment symposium. Held at the Convention Hall of Mall of Ace Centerpoint, the event placed the central role of men in the advancement of women’s rights and the establishment of a violence-free society.
More than 50 members of the Koronadal City Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), officers, and advocates of the Denounce VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children) Advocates in Defense for a Violence-Free Family (DAD-VFF) joined the symposium. The attendees were capacitated on Gender and Development concepts and legislations to enhance safer spaces and fair treatment for all.
Judge Marie Jean B. Merañez moderated a thought-provoking discussion on Republic Act 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act or Bawal Bastos Law. Experts from the Office of the Provincial Population Officer also discussed Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) and the core principles of Gender and Development (GAD). In her stirring speech, Honorable Junette I. Hurtado, Chair of the Committee on Women, Children, and Family Relations, emphasized the importance of having male allies in the struggle for gender equality.
One of the attendees expressed gratitude for the insights shared during the event:
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga kaalamang ibinahagi sa amin ng mga speakers. Marami akong natutunan tungkol sa pagpapahalaga at paggalang sa mga kababaihan. Sana ay marami pang kalalakihan na tulad ko ang matuto sa mga ganitong bagay para lahat tayo ay mabuhay ng mapayapa at may pantay na pagtingin mapa babae man o lalaki.”
(I am truly grateful for the knowledge shared by the speakers. We have learned a lot about valuing and respecting women. I hope that all men will learn this so that we can all live peacefully and have equal regard for both women and men.)
In her closing remarks, Provincial Population Officer Ms. Melanie C. Chiva expressed her gratitude to the PPO staff, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Ms. Sonia L. Bautista, RSW, MPA, MTRM, and all participating organizations for their dedication to gender advocacy. She emphasized that such efforts are crucial steps toward realizing the vision of “Ang mga Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
With this successful launch, South Cotabato continues to be a frontrunner in promoting inclusivity, respect, and shared responsibility in gender empowerment.
