In her message, Congresswoman Aurora Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur’s second district said on Thursday during the women’s month culmination program that “now is the time for women to strengthen their participation to the important matters and activities in our society, as the women today are, based on our lasws, enjoying equal rights with men.”
This year’s women’s month celebration carries the theme: “Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong!”.
“Before, women were deprived of their fundamental rights. They were restricted to nurturing their children and doing household chores but with the existing laws which give women equal rights with men, the women can now equally perform the roles of men in our society,” Cerilles declared.
Cerilles cited another law which protects women from being abused sexually and physically by men.
“With the existence of women’s desk in every police station, physical and verbal abuse committed by men can now be prevented,” Cerilles added.
The lady solon also said that with the existing laws advocating rights of women, we have now many women leaders to include herself and Pagadian City Vice Mayor Divina Grace Yu.
“I am very proud to announce that the House of Congress has produced 276 members; 187 are men, and 89 are women,” Cerilles said adding that before the chamber was dominated by male legislators.
Since women today, she said, are already empowered, she urged them to join meetings and assemblies in their barangays for them to become productive citizens and be a part of the decision making process.
The women’s month celebration in the city was spearheaded by the Local Council for Women, which is composed of more than 20 women organizations.