Davao City – The Gender and Development Technical Working Group of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) leads the Department’s observance of Women’s Month with the theme “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na”.

Director Priscilla N. Razon of DSWD, a Gender and Development advocate herself, said the regional office in support to the national annual celebration, has approved the conduct of these activities –Radio Programs highlighting women stories of change and empowerment and special laws on women, Women’s Rights Orientation for Women PWDs, Orientation on RA 8972  [Solo Parent Act] and RA 7877 [Anti Sexual Harassment Act], and participation in the foot parade led by the Integrated Gender and Development Division of Davao City.

“At the culmination day on March 27, we will sponsor a Wellness Program for our employees that will cover free massage therapy, manicure, pedicure; and tutorials on basic haircutting and basic make up. Further, we will set up a Videoke Corner for those who love to sing, Photo Booth, and Women Bazaar for selling of food stuffs and pre-loved items,” Director Razon added.

The official ‘Juana’ community dance will also be performed by DSWD employees every Monday this March while the DSWD Women Volleyball Competition is slated for the whole month.

DSWD provincial teams are also organizing support activities to advocate women’s rights as well as gender and development and gender equality.

Meanwhile, members of the DSWD-MOVE (Men Oppose to Violence Everywhere) registered the highest number of participants during Friday’s foot parade dubbed “In Her Shoes: Building New Consciousness on Filipino Women Power Walk” organized by the National Youth Commission. The parade from Freedom Park to People’s Park was attended by men wearing women high-heeled shoes. DSWD