BY ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
THURSDAY last week, May 26, I got a chance to witness Capitol’s simple observance of the International Day of Action for Women’s Health.
Sans political leaning and meaning, ‘twas a colorful whole day event at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City with pink as motif.
Themed “Women’s mental health matters,” the celebration was highlighted by the “binalaybay” and “composo” tilts – all about women and their total well-being, including mental health.
Overall, the event ended a tremendous success. Kudos to the organizers spearheaded by Marie June Pavillar-Castro, Capitol’s focal person on Gender Advocacy and Development (GAD).
However, what struck me in that particular event was the closing message delivered by Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II. It was short but had this meaningful line: “The (mental) health of my wife is very important in our family.”
Hearing such a line from a man (really) spells lots of meanings and interpretations. Maybe for some, it could be a plain and simple message. Worse, if others considered it as nothing at all.
‘IT’ IN IT
But that fact that it was delivered by Atty. Diaz, perceived as one of the “toughest guys” at the Capitol, meaning there’s “it” in it!
Well, I stand to be corrected, but my simple interpretation is, Atty. Diaz (really) values his wife and her mental health for their family’s sake, and so he values women dearly.
And for me, it’s rare to see or hear any man voicing such heart-warming message for women. Simple yet candid! Tagos sa puso kung baga.
Thus, for me, it’s a decorous avowal for such a celebration and for the women in general.
My salutation to Atty. Diaz, hence!
And I think he is more than an inspiration now to other men or hubbies who really, really love and value their wives’ essential health and role(s) in their respective families.
After all, the Bible (1 Peter 3:7) stresses, “Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
‘DIFFICULT ASSIGNMENT’
Anyhow, speaking of women’s mental health is kinda one “difficult assignment” for every man. There’s a tendency that men will just ignore such a topic. Perhaps, only few will dig deeper to decode the broad definition of mental health on women.
Well, I did a relevant research on the matter. I am so thankful then that I’ve encountered a very informative article about women’s mental health courtesy of McLean (Harvard Medical School Affiliate). There, I read that societal pressures and expectations that women cope with regularly can increase the chances of developing mental health issues.
Sample: greater valuing of women who are more physically attractive empathetic, nurturing and intelligent. And so McLean’s article stressed women are more likely to attempt suicide, even though men are more likely to die by suicide. Quite alarming, isn’t it!
‘CASE FOR INVESTMENT’
On the other hand, for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), prevention and management of mental health in the Philippines, especially for women is likened to the “case for investment”.
Why?
It’s undeniable that lots of women in the Philippines are prone to depression and anxiety.
Main causers: poverty and violence against them.
How?
Massive challenges of poverty leading to hunger are immense still.
It may send lots of women to a “dreary world”. Violence against women could also be fatal on their physical and mental health. Abusing them may involve their children, families and the community where they belong. Then, harm comes, resulting to “nothingness” of a woman in a society. Unimaginable, but not remote!
NOT SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS
Hence, Negros’ women must be thankful to Gov. Bong Lacson for having utmost consideration in holding celebration(s) meant for them. It’s a manifestation that Lacson’s administration ain’t treating women as second-class citizens. Rather, the governor respects and values women’s role(s) in governance, societal change(s) and family building.
Too, let’s not forget that even the Holy Writ says that, for Christ, women have an intrinsic value equal to that of men. Leviticus 24:7 says women’s valuation shall be thirty shekels. Shekel, per the www.learnreligions.com, is an ancient coin worth its weight in gold.
‘HEM AND HAW’
Therefore, I do wish that future celebrations on women’s day or month may not be reduced to dancing galore like zumbas, among other “fun and festive” doings.
Too, they must do away from “hem and haw” before going into concrete actions in addressing real women’s concerns. Rather, events concerning women must be relevant to their very existence in this world. And must have focus on the essences of their imperative roles in building happy families. Thus, simple forum will matter.
What are important are the key messages like that of Atty. Diaz that could “melt” someone’s heart, and will remain in everyone’s mind. And, most of all, could make an impact in women’s lives.
Thus, I am hoping for “more greatness” for our dear women soonest. Nonetheless, “Viva Negros’mujeres!”/PN
