Empowering Women of Today for Tomorrow’s Generation

In celebration of the National Women’s Month (Proclamation No. 227 marking every month of March as a highlight the Filipina - Women’s Role in History) and the observance of International Women’s Day (IWD), we honor the dedication and sacrifices of women as we work hand-in-hand towards a brighter future.

This year’s theme “WE Make Change Work for Women” clearly embodies the role of women in society to make a difference. Let us breakdown the theme’s main objectives in context of the Republic Act No. 9710 (Magna Carta of Women).

“WE”

An acronym that represents Women Empowerment, “WE” also mean “tayo or kami” in Filipino language. To empower women in all aspects of society enables them to responsibly act with confidence to do what needs to be done so that they may be able to positively contribute, as well as benefit from, the efforts towards change. And we need that “WE” to instigate that change. Only through collective effort and the collaboration of the various sectors of the community will make things possible, knowing that the Filipina is confident and willing enough to spearhead evens at the next level.

“Make Change Work”

MCW or the Magna Carta of Women, is a strong weapon of hope and deliverance to ensure women’s rights are protected. In a gist, it is a comprehensive human rights law geared against gender-based discrimination regardless of age, religion, ethnicity, status or poverty that restricts women’s access to opportunities, benefits or privileges. It also emphasizes equal treatment to the law, protection against violence and exploitation, and non-discrimination on employment opportunities, as well as access to various fields and industries.

“Change”

Also stands for Compassionate and Harmonized Actions and Networks for Gender Equality. This coincides with the Women’s Empowerment Principles established by UN Women and United Nations Global Compact. The principles are there to assist companies and organizations to review existing guidelines, policies and practices to make sure that they are geared towards women empowerment.

The Magna Carta of Women serves as a reminder to all that women can make a difference, and that women can also take the lead. It tells the world that you and me exist. We don’t always need to be intelligent, strong and brave to make it past our goals; we just need to believe in ourselves and build on the strength of what we can do.

You need to carve your own niche, so to speak, and be inspired by those women who stood for what they believed in.  Corazon  Aquino, Margaret Thatcher, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Theresa, Marie Curie, Indira Gandhi, Coco Chanel, Oprah Winfrey, Hilary Clinton, Miriam Defensor-Santiago; these are but a few who believed that they can do something to make the world a better place, and succeeded.

The path to women empowerment is a continuous process. It is a journey and not a destination which others may perceive. You need to be patient and smart. Don’t think about the “what ifs” but rather work on the positives that come your way. When an opportunity presents itself, stand up and find the courage to move forward and grab it.That is the essence of woman empowerment. You just need to believe in order to succeed!