The month of March is special for Filipino women. What makes the month truly special is the country’s observance of Women’s Month. Pursuant to Proclamation no.224 series of 1998 declares the month of March each year as Women’s Month and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day. Proclamation no. 227 series of 1998 provided for the observance of the month of March as Women’s Role in the History month and Republic Act 6949 is the National Translation of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) toward achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

In consonance with President Benigno Aquino’s pursuit and vision of “tuwid na daan”, the theme adopted for the 2013 Women’s Month Celebration is “  Kababaihan, Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan”. This theme underscores the need to accelerate women’s participation in governance and enhance gender perspective in upholding good governance. It highlights the importance of strengthening the mechanisms and institution that support women and to widen the arena for their participation. This year’s celebration aims to a.) highlight women’s leadership roles, participation in decision-making and participation in the political arena, peace building and conflict resolution b.) to build upon the gains achieved under existing mechanisms and institutions that support women and gender responsive governance and c.) strengthen partnership with media in promoting women’s rights and in advocating to address gender issues.

Led by Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal and DSWD Assistant Director Felix M. Armeña, the month long celebration was kicked off with a fun walk last March 8, 2013.

Unmindful of drizzle and cold wind, about hundred persons representing 21 member agencies of the RIACAT-VAWC joined the fun walk which started at Embarcadero de Legazpi to the Rock Port of the city. This was followed by a short program and “Hataw” which was led by DOH.

Other lined-up activities are:

To culminate the month’s activity is the “ Tipon-Tipan on Women, a live forum at the PIA office.###eeferusalem/smu/dswdfo5.