Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) Chairperson Bainon Karon spearheads celebration of Women’s Month in the Bangsamoro region through a kickoff ceremony on March 8, 2024 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City. (Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) Chairperson Bainon Karon stressed today, March 8, the milestone and positive impact of putting the welfare of women at the forefront of the interim government’s interventions.
Karon revealed during the kickoff of the 2024 National Women’s Month celebration in the region at Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC) in this city that the 9.12% significant increase in the 2022 Gender and Development (GAD) fund utilization of the Bangsamoro Government is a manifestation that the initiatives implemented are gender-responsive, equitable, and are advocating for women’s empowerment.
“The achievements of the Bangsamoro Government, through the BWC, are manifestations of the commitment to strengthening all strategies, policies, and mechanisms to uphold, promote, and protect the rights of our women to equal opportunities and meaningful participation,” the Chairperson said.
Presidential Proclamation No. 227 series of 1988, signed by former President Corazon Aquino, stipulates that every March is observed as Women’s Role in History Month, recognizing the immense contributions and pivotal roles of Filipina women in Philippine history.
Moreover, Republic Act No. 6949 series of 1990 provides for the commemoration of National Women’s Day every March 8.
Karon also highlighted the various development plans of both the National Government and the BARMM that lead to a transformative future, saying, “Gender equality is the norm, peace is an everyday reality, and security is a life that every Bangsamoro enjoys.”
This year’s celebration carries the theme, “WE for Gender Equity and Inclusive Society: Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!”
Atty. Khay Ann Magundayao-Burlado, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), urged women to unlock their full potential, mentioning that being a woman is a boundless potential, a wellspring of power, and a source of strength capable of making a change in society.
“Women, your strength, your ambition, your dreams, and your stories—they are all yours to claim,” said Burlado.
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim underscored that harnessing the capabilities of women results in the beneficial transformation of the latter’s sector and the flourishing of the whole BARMM.
“By empowering women, we empower our communities and propel the progress of the entire region,” Ebrahim stated.
He encouraged the Bangsamoro people to champion the cause of gender equity and inclusivity, creating a society where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to shared prosperity.
Celebrating National Women’s Month aligns with the 12th priority agenda of CM Ebrahim, centered on the self-sustaining and inclusive development of Bangsamoro women. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
