ARMM celebrates women’s month

Cotabato City – Officials and employees of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) commit to strengthen women empowerment as the region joins in the celebration of the international women’s day and formally welcomed the observance of the national women’s month this March in a ceremony held yesterday.

The month-long celebration is spearheaded by the Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women (RCBW) and will feature symposia on various women issues, gender and development consultations, medical and dental outreach and sports competitions that will be participated in by employees from different line agencies.

With the theme “Babae Tagumpay Ka ng Bayan”, Jasmin Domado, RCBW chairperson, stressed that “women today are living in a remarkable moment in history… and that women are powerful, and they always have been”.

“Today and the many more days and years to come, we wanted to show of how women from all walks of life dare to believe the world can be different – and put their passions and ideas into action for the betterment of the Bangsamoro Women in the ARMM”, said Domado.

On the other hand, she also acknowledged the “male counterpart” for being the women’s “partners in family rearing, community building and socio-political development” of the country.

In a message read by Attorney-General Atty. Baratucal Caudang, ARMM acting regional governor Ansaruddin Adiong said that the “the crusade of women to be regarded with the same respect, honor and status as the male sex has been taking on for a countless number of years”. However, he reaffirmed that he and the ARMM administration is one in resolving this problem. He further added that women should be empowered and their status in the society must be elevated.

Other highlight activities this women’s month would also include a trade fair exhibit, orientation on poll automation, updates on the GRP-MILF peace process and the Magna Carta for women. (bpiarmm)