The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recognizes the significant role of women in society as it joins the nation in the celebration of the National Women’s Month this March.

This year, the overall theme for the celebration is “We Make Change Work for Women”, the theme declared from 2017 to 2022.  The focus for this year is “Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran” which highlights the advocacy for the development of women.

On 01 March 2022, the DSWD will hold its kick off program featuring the Department’s thrusts and programs for women as well as the best practices of its Field Offices on Gender and Development (GAD).

A series of activities focusing on the contributions of women in nation building and on the advocacy for safe spaces for the women sector will be held after the kick-off program.  Webinars on the Safe Spaces Act or the Bawal Bastos Law will be held with the transportation sector.  This is to help ensure that the public transportation will remain a respectful and safe space for all. To ensure that the DSWD remains a safe place for the women and all sectors, a three-day consultation workshop for the implementation of the Safe Spaces Act within the institution will also be conducted. 

Gender Sensitivity Trainings for beneficiaries of the Department’s Sustainable Livelihood Program and the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services are also scheduled within the month. 

In addition, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program will conduct a Discussion which will focus on the GAD assessment on the implementation of the Family Development/Youth Development Sessions.  This activity is integral in ensuring that the FDS/YDS component of the Pantawid Pamilya program is truly empowering to the vulnerable sectors.

Moreover, the Department will launch a month-long social media campaign to advocate for the continuous development of the women sector and to enjoin the public to take part in the advocacy to ensure that public spaces remain safe for all.

The Department shall also highlight the role of the many women public servant who provided their service even during the most difficult times of the pandemic in this celebration 

Finally, the DSWD encourages the public to share in the celebration of the Women’s Month and partake in recognizing the important role of women in society. ###