March is an important month for women in the Philippines, as it is recognized as Women's Month throughout the country. The month-long celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment, and it honors the achievements and contributions of Filipino women to society. In this article, we will explore the history of Women's Month in the Philippines and its impact on society.
History of Women's Month in the Philippines
March 8 is the designated date for International Women’s Day ever since 1913 and was made formal by the United Nations in 1975. Following their footsteps, Republic Act 6949 was passed by our government in 1990, declaring the eighth of March of every year as the National Women’s Month. So yes, it’s an actual law here in the Philippines.
In addition, former President Corazon Aquino signed Proclamation No. 224 that declares March 8, 1988, and every year after that as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day.
While March is generally known as Women’s Month, it’s complete term is Women’s Role in History Month. In March 1988, the House of Representatives designated the month as such under Resolution No. 20. This was followed by Corazon Aquino’s Proclamation No. 227, which provides for the observance of Women’s Role in History Month all over the country.
The Significance of Women's Month in the Philippines
Women's Month in the Philippines is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of Filipino women to society, including in the areas of politics, business, education, arts, and sciences. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that women continue to face, such as gender-based discrimination, violence, and inequality.
One of the key goals of Women's Month is to raise awareness about these issues and to encourage action to address them. This includes advocating for policies that promote gender equality, supporting women's leadership and empowerment initiatives, and amplifying the voices of women who are often marginalized or silenced.
Women's Month in the Philippines is also a time to celebrate the progress that has been made towards gender equality, including the increasing representation of women in positions of power and the growing recognition of women's contributions to society. It serves as a reminder that gender equality is not only a moral imperative, but also a critical component of a healthy, prosperous, and just society.
Impact of Women's Month in the Philippines
Women's Month in the Philippines has had a significant impact on society, both in terms of raising awareness about women's issues and inspiring action to address them. It has helped to spark important conversations about gender equality and women's empowerment, and has encouraged individuals, organizations, and governments to take concrete steps towards creating a more just and equitable society.
In recent years, Women's Month in the Philippines has also been a catalyst for major social movements, such as the #BabaeAko movement and the One Billion Rising campaign, which have galvanized millions of people around the country to demand greater accountability for gender-based violence and discrimination.
