By: Rizza Joy D. Barras, DBM Regional Office VIII
Aimed at transforming a culture toward a more equal and inclusive future, the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) carried the sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan”. It echoed the target outcomes stated in Chapter 15 of the Updated Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Plan 2019-2025 toward transforming gender norms and culture.
During the kick-off celebration held on March 12, 2024, Assistant Regional Director (ARD) Aleli N. Hernandez emphasized, in her message, the proven capabilities of women as manifested from their acts of strength and efforts. “March is dedicated for the remarkable achievements of women worldwide and an opportunity to recognize their resilience, strength, and accomplishments.”
In the following week, the Office held an Orientation on the Use of Gender Fair Language and Communication in the Workplace on March 22, 2024, with Mr. Leo Christian V. Lauzon, Private Sector Representative – Persons with Special Concern and a member of the pool of GAD Speakers, as resource speaker. He conducted an interactive discussion in promoting equality and inclusion by using a language that acknowledges everyone.
Language plays an important role in fostering gender consciousness as it influences beliefs and insights. Use of generic masculine terms to refer to both men and women may render the latter invisible.
RD Imelda C. Laceras shared some insights to encourage her staff to acknowledge the diversity of genders. She also reminded them to be cautious in their future correspondences with clients. “Some of the learnings may be new to all but it’s a work in progress. We will continue to move towards a more inclusive environment for everyone,” she said.
Concluding the Women’s Month celebration, Ms. Juvy A. Lobedica, Chief Budget and Management Specialist and Vice-Chair of the GAD Committee, shared an inspirational message on her journey of becoming a Career Executive Service Officer. She encouraged everyone to embrace the challenge for it will push you outside your comfort zone. She did not focus on the end goal, rather, she enjoyed the beauty of the in-between. In her own words, “I did not chase the goal into the CESO journey. I did it with hard work, perseverance, and let the Lord God take me to the right path”.
Ms. Mary Kim U. Homeres, Chairperson of the GAD Committee, delivered a closing message thanking everyone for their active participation in the celebration of Women’s Month. She encouraged everyone to champion equality, break down barriers, and celebrate women every day. While the Women’s Month celebration has already concluded, DBM RO VIII encourages us to continuously carry the spirit of celebration and empowerment throughout the year.
