Housing czar Eduardo del Rosario on Monday spearheaded the celebration of the National Women’s Month at the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development in Quezon City with a series of activities throughout March.
With the theme “We Make Change Happen for Women” focusing on “Juana Laban sa Pandemya, Kaya!,” the celebration aims to support the national advocacy on gender equality and women empowerment, and to
highlight women’s participation in battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Today, we salute and honor our strong women who play an important role in nation-building, those who lead us, and those who support us, not only as a member of DHSUD or the government workforce, but as wives, mothers and sisters, daughters and friends—women who give us strength, inspiration and direction—our anchors, our guide, our partners and the wind beneath our wings. On behalf of all of the men of DHSUD, I thank you,” Del Rosario said.
The month-long activities are designed to inform and engage women stakeholders of government programs and services, create and facilitate platforms to discuss good practices, gaps, challenges and commitments in pursuing gender and development as well as inspire and empower women to be agents of change.
“We, in DHSUD, shall ensure that our programs and activities contribute to achieving these objectives. This year’s celebration is a declaration of DHSUD’s Gender and Development policy to promote and implement housing and urban development policies that will uphold, protect and empower women, and mainstream gender equality and development,” the housing czar noted.
“Like any other social issue, the quest for gender equality and women empowerment can only be achieved and will only be successful when all sectors work together. This is not a battle of sexes but a collective fight for a more peaceful and humane environment that respects and celebrates differences and enables everyone, regardless of gender, to attain his or her full potential.”
Highlighting the month-long event is the “Juana sa BALAI: Kababaihan sa Tahanan at Pamayanan,” which is a one-hour talk show that would feature several notable figures in the human settlements and urban development sector.
Over the years, DHSUD has been pro-active in giving emphasis on the rising unique needs of women in the workplace.