THE House of Representatives (HRep) kicked off its 2024 National Women’s Month celebration in its flag-raising ceremony Monday.
House Committee on Women and Gender Equality chairperson Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman said that this year’s Women’s Month sub-theme, i.e., “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan!” emphasizes the determination for Philippine society to recognize and honor the abilities of women in building a more just and inclusive nation.
“This women’s month, let us celebrate not only the achievements but also the potential of Filipino women. Let’s commit to creating an environment where women are free to pursue their aspirations without being constrained by outdated expectations,” she said.
Roman emphasized that the pursuit of gender equality is a collective obligation that must be fulfilled through cooperation, mutual respect and support, and asked attendees “to push boundaries, champion inclusivity and ensure that the future is bright and equitable for all women and their children in the country.”
Monday’s flag-raising ceremony also marked the launch of the Gender and Development (GAD) page in the HRep official website. Through the page, employees can access resources, researches and data related to gender and development.
The establishment of the GAD corner in the HRep website is a project of the HRep GAD Focal Point System (FPS).
Monday’s flag-raising ceremony also saw House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, GAD-FPS chair, leading the ceremonial signing of the manifesto of support affirming the HRep’s commitment and dedication to gender and development.
He was joined by the House members and House secretariat officials, including GAD-FPS co-chair Deputy Secretary General for Legal Department Atty. Annalou Nachura.
GABRIELA Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, led her fellow women HRep members, like Pampanga Reps. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Anna York Bondoc, GABRIELA Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, ACT TEACHERS Party-list Rep. France Castro, and former KABATAAN Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, in the “One Billion Rising” dance, a global tradition and campaign aimed at ending all forms of violence against women through collective action and solidarity.
The House Committee on Women and Gender Equality hosted Monday’s flag-raising ceremony.
Women members of the HRep also took charge of Monday’s plenary sessions in the afternoon as part of the HRep’s Women’s Month tradition.
The theme for this year’s National Women’s Month is “WE (women empowerment) for gender equality and inclusive society.”
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