CLARK FREEPORT -- A non-government organization has bared its advocacy of empowering and uplifting the economic status of Filipino women during this era of gender equality.
The Women Involved in Nation-Building (WIN), which is now holding its annual convention here, is a group of women that encourages and support women to participate in the national development.
WIN President Victoria Aragon said the organization has been implementing ways to help Filipinas, especially those oppressed, to improve their way of lives through various congress it organized since it was founded in 1987.
WIN has organized various conventions themed Women in Electoral Politics, Gender and Climate Change, Framework Plan for Women and Women Working Out a Sustainable Partnership Business and Politics which discussed the significant role of Filipinas in the society and government.
"We are reaching out to officials of the local governments and legislators to impart our belief in the role of women in nation building and right now, we are going down to the barangay level to reach out to the communities and personally deliver our advocacy," Aragon said.
Aside from congresses and symposiums, Aragon disclosed that WIN is also active in different projects to assist women and their families such as livelihood trainings and seminar-workshops, as well as different environmental activities tree planting and coastal clean-ups.
Aragon also cited the organization's program in providing legal assistance to oppressed women in the community.
She stressed that WIN maximizes the opportunity in having government officials and employees, and lawyers as members by assisting and empowering needy Filipinas.
"Our main goal is to provide economic upliftment among women. As of now, there are still oppressed women. They don't mind being abused because they are dependent on their husbands' livelihood and that is what we want to eliminate," she said.
Women's role vs. climate change
The 23rd WIN Annual Congress is anchored on the crucial role of women in the fight against climate change.
The three-day event (October 11 to 13), which will be held in Hotel Stotsenberg, will highlight discussions regarding the importance of women's readiness during disasters.
"As mothers, our responsibility is to protect and secure our family, our children from any harm during times of disaster. We must always be prepared," she said.
A seminar entitled "Power of Women From the Perspective of Men" will also be discussed by renowned speaker Francis Kong will also be held, Aragon said.
Aragon expressed her gratitude to Governor Lilia Pineda for welcoming the WIN delegation in the province.
She disclosed that Pineda was the one who urged the organization officers to hold their annual congress in Pampanga.
"Maybe because she is also a woman, she also believes in the power of women," Aragon said.