Today, March 8, 2022, we celebrate the international women’s day with the campaign theme- “#BreaktheBias” which emphasizes the vital role of women in achieving a gender equal world.
This year’s theme challenges any form of biases against women in different institutions and communities- school, office and workplace, and even at home.
Thus, this is a global celebration to highlight the achievement of women and the gains of women towards gender equality.
Photo: Cultural dance group from Lanao del Sur showcased their Maranao traditional performance.
The Ecosystems Work for Essential Benefits. Inc. (ECOWEB) has been devoted to celebrating the role of women in forwarding sustainable future. The organization upholds women’s achievements, and attention to women’s rights and societal role by transpiring opportunities, projects, and programs for them.
As part of strengthening community actions on promoting gender equality, one of ECOWEB-partnered projects, the Marawi Response Project (MRP) conducted the activity titled “Women CAN (Creating Alternative Narratives) Local Stories that Inspire Positive Change.”
Representatives of different Community Solidarity Groups (CSG) from Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur gather at Paseo de Santiago, Iligan City to walk through the success of MRP. Men are also attending to unite in advancing women’s rights.
Under ECOWEB covered areas, 60% of the total 10,641 beneficiaries are women inclusive of youths, solo mothers, widows, senior citizens, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and Host Community Members (HCMs).
Patrick Asinero, Plan International-MRP Gender and Social Cohesion Lead purported that MRP has been successful because of the efforts of women especially the IDPs who voluntarily lead their community towards recovery and sustainability.
MRP women’s achievement has forged possibilities of attaining a world free of violence, stereotypes, bias, and discrimination.
The activity is graced by the presence of Annie Locsin, Country Director of Plan International-Philippines; Ryan Washburn, USAID Mission Director, and company; and Marlon Libot, Chief of Party of the Marawi Response Project.
“We are very proud of women’s achievement in this endeavor (MRP)…you are our inspiration to continue this project and advocacy,” said Annie.
Three women shared inspiring stories of how the projects of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) changed them to become the best version of themselves.
Jai Sapiin, a member of project Sindaw expressed her standing on women as the catalyst of sustainable development.
“Woman, not just a woman…let us (women) raise our voice…we have roles to play in peacebuilding, achieving justice, and in the government…like men, we deserve more, and we can do even more if we want to,” Jai said.
Cacai Arsenal, one of USAID’s project beneficiaries in Cagayan de Oro City, took a leap of faith and thrusted her capacity to address herself being addicted to drugs as she expressed, “I realized how I was destroyed by drugs for almost 15 years…it’s never too late to make a change…As a woman, I need to stand up again,” she expresses as her tears fall down on her cheeks as she left a testimony to the audience,
“I am the living proof that it is not yet too late to change and be the change we want to see in the community.”
Truly a once is a lifetime experience for Norhanisa Casobedan, a MYDev representative, who champions women empowerment in her own ways. She was inspired by the issues of their community relating to the limited access of women to social services and opportunities.
Photo: Norhanisa showing her received certificate of appreciation after sharing her experiences.
“this culture of silence in the Maranao context hinders us to take action on promoting women empowerment and development.”
Despite this, the province of Lanao del Sur progressively expands their programs and activities that give importance to the protection of women and children.
“But we are doing our best to educate our people and see to it that women and children are protected,” Yasmira said.
Ryan Washburn, Mission Director of USAID Philippines, Pacific Islands, and Mongolia gladly ended the panel’s reflection discussion by saying, “All I hear are stories of hopes, inspiration, and determination of these empowered women.”
