26/11/2023
Insights into Challenges: Unveiling Filipino Women's Ongoing Struggles in a Livestream Discussion on Women's Empowerment.
Livestream Discussion on Women's Empowerment Reveals Ongoing Struggles Faced by Filipino Women
Justin A. Mapile
Host, Pulong-Masa
November 25, 2023 - On the 17th Episode of "Pulong-Masa"," Justin A. Mapile, host, successfully launched a Livestream Interview last night featuring Ms. Sheila Azucena-Ferrer, the Executive Director of the SheRise Center, and Barangay Kagawad Editha Baby Jimenez, Adviser of the Paranaque Women's Organization Welfare - Don Galo. The discussion was centered around the theme "BABAE KA! Hindi babae ka lang!" amid the National Consciousness Day for the Elimination of VAWC (Violence Against Women and Children).
The conversation shed light on the prevailing status quo and the challenges confronting women in society. Particularly poignant were the discussions on the exacerbated hardships faced by women and their families, further compounded by the lack of economic opportunities facilitated by the government.
Even in contemporary times, women persist in encountering myriad societal hurdles, notably revolving around their rights and the ceaseless battle against discrimination. Primary among these challenges are workplace discrimination, reproductive and healthcare rights, educational disparities, as well as violence and abuse, encompassing domestic violence and sexual harassment. Discrimination against women continues, spanning from perceptions of their inferiority to limited involvement in governmental and community decision-making processes.
Gender bias and the prevailing lack of regard for women persist as significant global issues across diverse societies. Despite strides in legislative and advocacy initiatives, women grapple with systemic disregard and entrenched inequality within social structures. The broad spectrum of gender discrimination manifests in multifaceted ways, hindering complete gender parity, ranging from limited access to resources and opportunities to differential treatment and representation.
Addressing this societal issue necessitates a comprehensive effort encompassing legal frameworks, cultural shifts, and collective action to dismantle barriers impeding women's rights and their holistic engagement in all spheres of life.
Additionally, the program launched the SheRise Center, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), committed to advocating for and providing services to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of women, government agencies, LGUs, and other institutions. The SheRise Center program and services revolve around R- Reproductive Rights; I - Inclusivity; S - Sustainability, and E - Empowerment.
In his editorial, Justin A. Mapile underscored several pivotal points. He stressed the significance of recognizing and honoring women's indispensable contributions to society, acknowledging them as a foundational force in the nation-building process. Moreover, he urged robust support for women's self-assertion and empowerment, emphasizing a comprehensive understanding of women's rights and well-being, inclusive of adherence to the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710).
Furthermore, Mapile advocated for the establishment of independent and autonomous women's organizations, aiming to emancipate them from control or dominance by local government officials or politicians, thereby fostering genuine empowerment. He also encouraged active participation of women's organizations in local governance structures, advocating for the creation of Local Councils of Women in each LGU to enhance their involvement in diverse development councils.
Additionally, Mapile passionately advocated for the dignity and respect of Filipino women, highlighting this as a collective responsibility that transcends governmental duties and encompasses every individual and society at large. Finally, he stressed the imperative need to strive towards a Violence Against Women (VAW)-free Philippines, underlining its significance in ensuring a safer and more equitable environment for women nationwide. #
Watch excerpt video: https://tinyurl.com/mtn4uadj
Watch full video: https://tinyurl.com/3dhxdhn8