ILOILO City – Do not belittle women or overlook their contributions in nation-building.
Women certainly have the capacity to lead, according to women’s rights group Gabriela-Panay-Guimaras chapter that is marking today’s International Women’s Day.
Gabriela regional chairperson Lucy Francisco disputed a remark that the Philippine presidency is not a job for women, saying it “deflates” the country’s fight for gender equality.
She condemned acts that insult women, citing as example Vice President Leni Robredo who has “been subject of destructive criticisms by some.”
Meanwhile, Irish Granada, a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) community here, called for diversity in leadership.
“Any person of diverse SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics), including women who are lesbians, bisexuals, queers, and transwomen, have the capacity to lead,” Granada said.
“Your SOGIESC cannot hinder you from leading,” she added.
It is the opportunities not afforded to women that hinder “all of us”, Granada pointed out. “But given an even playing field, with the abolition of patriarchy, we can all lead,” she said.
For Angel, a mother of two, women can be great leaders as men.
“The capacity and mindset coming from a female’s perspective is vital. Women can be strong leaders,” she said.
Angel also cited female scientists, politicians and change-makers.
“We should also honor the role women carry in society. Being mothers, daughters, wives and leaders,” she added.
For Francisco, a woman leader should also possess qualities like “sensitivity” to the plight, issues and concerns of other women.
She should also come out “strong and stand for what is right,” she stressed.
“Maski woman leader ka kon ang ginahimo mo indi makibabaye kag makipumoluyo, that is just a decoration in your head,” Francisco stressed.
Recently, President Rodrigo Duterte publicly commented that women could no way run a country, following reports that his daughter, Davao City mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, was being pushed to join the 2022 presidential race.
Miss Universe Philippines Rabiya Mateo, an Ilongga, disputed the President’s contention.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Gabriela, in partnership with other sectors, is leading the month-long celebration.
The group kicked off the celebration on March 1 through a rekorida caravan in various areas here.
On March 2 to March 5, they conducted a series of dialogues among women on how they are able to survive the pandemic.
They also had discussions on “various social concerns which include red-tagging, profiling, harassment, among others.”
Today at the Esplanade 7, they have a bazaar for women entrepreneurs. In the afternoon, they will assemble for the program and march towards the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
They will also perform a women’s dance dubbed “One Billion Rising.”
“Isulong namon ang amon tema ‘Ang Kababainhan ang Mabangon Para Ipakigbato ang Palangabuhian, Ikaayong Lawas, kag Dampigan ang Katarungan.’ I-demand man namon ang ayuda kag libre kag ligtas sa kon ano man nga katalagman ilabi na ang pag angkon sang libre nga bakuna kay we are not against sang vaccine,” Francisco added.
The month-long celebration will cap off on March 31, where they will stage a “One Billion Street Dancing,” bringing streamers and placards with them as they continue to air their demands to the government./PN
