Sunday, March 02, 2008 Economic independence 'key' to equality between sexes
THE “women’s liberation” movement has come a long way in helping women gain equal footing with men in a patriarchal society such as ours.
But the struggle continues, and several groups are lining up activities to advance women’s economic empowerment, as they line up activities for March, women’s month.
Tessie Fernandez, Cebu City Women and Family Affairs Commission executive chairperson, said the key towards equality between the sexes is economic independence.
“Unless livelihood is provided (for women), kasagaran, ma-under the bunal gyud gihapon sila,” she said.
Fernandez said there is already the micro-enterprise law, which gives women the opportunity to borrow money for capital, and the City is looking into enterprise development for “sustainable interventions” for women.
Women’s fund
“We plan to set up a women’s fund in every barangay. Ma-empowered sila if they have a trust fund nga pwede magamit during emergencies. We ask for donations to raise the fund,” she said.
Fernandez said that for this year, the celebration “will focus on the need to generate resources to finance initiatives on gender equality.
City Councilor Lea Japson, chairperson of the committee on family and women, said it all boils down to poverty, or the lack of economic freedom for women.
She acknowledged that funding is a problem, but that women should fight.
Fernandez said that aside from the lack of budget, the attitude of families towards violence against women is also a problem.
Other programs
So on March 8, International Women’s Day, they will launch the Women’s Fund at Fort San Pedro with Mayor Tomas Osmeña and his wife Margot in attendance.
Simultaneous programs will also be done like a City Health Department medical mission, optical check-up, beauty and wellness for women, and women’s groups product display.
Month-long activities were likewise scheduled, including livelihood trainings tomorrow, and seminars on laws concerning women and their rights in succeeding days.
Judelyn Caballero, University of Southern Philippines Foundation liaison officer, also said that the school, in partnership with the City Government, is offering free training for women to improve their communication skills.
The training, she said, includes customer service management. Those interested should just contact the school for details.
Women’s groups also joined yesterday’s coastal clean-up and general cleaning by at least 50 Cebu City barangays. (RHM)
