On March 8, the day of the International Women’s Day Celebration, Women’s Groups from Negros Occidental consisting of Akbayan Women, Gabriela Alliance of Women’s Organizations, Partidong Manggagawa Women and Soc Fem Bacolod highlighted the struggles and issues faced by Filipino women by holding a Santa Cruzan sa Marso.
In lieu of the usual sagalas and reynas, arko’s featured issues currently experienced by women of Negros highlighting the struggles needed to be addressed such as discrimination in the workplace, contractualization, harassment, violence against women, demolition, price increase and teenage pregnancy.
“Women need to come together to fight these injustices but gender equality is not confined among women alone. If we want a truly more equal and democratic society, we should embrace one another’s struggles and see the bigger picture that women empowerment and gender equality are the cornerstones of a real democracy.” Akbayan Neg Occ spokesperson, Rachel Contreras said.
The march commenced at 1 p.m. from Rizal Elementary School and ended at the Bacolod City public plaza where a short program followed.
As injustices are being brought to light, women’s groups call for support for the election of a woman leader who uplifts women’s rights and transcends through the adversities in the women’s movement.
“It is time for women to take the lead, for women to fight for real change in society. It is time that a woman leader guides us to a just and equal society where women are no longer silenced but are heard. It’s the time for a woman to be the president because the last man standing will be a woman,” Contreras added.
With the call to for a woman leader, women also enjoined the public to reject voting for candidates who are misogynists, liars, and plunderers in the coming elections.*
