It’s Women’s Month at CMDI

The Gender and Development (GAD) Committee of CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI), organized a simple and meaningful kickoff activity in observance of the National Women’s Month Celebration with the theme, “We make change work for women.” at main campus in Brgy. Tranca, Bay, Laguna on March 1, 2017.

Tarpaulins highlighting Filipinas who have contributed significantly to Philippine history and society, as well as the exemplary women of CARD MRI, are placed along the campus’ hallway for the whole month of March. Paper flowers with inspirational messages were also given to students and staff.

The exhibit

The Gender and Development (GAD) Committee of CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI) placed tarpaulins featuring exemplary Filipino women along the campus hallway. (Photo by Dianne B. Ubaldo)

A simple present

Ms. Rona Almagro, Gender and Development (GAD) Coordinator, pose with the paper flowers given to students and staff. (Photos by Dianne B. Ubaldo)

“We conducted this simple and practical activity to acknowledge women’s great contribution and major role in societal development,” said Ms. Rona Almagro, GAD Coordinator.

The National Women’s Month is celebrated every March as part of the International Women’s Day (IWD) and Women’s Role in History Month as stated in the Proclamation No. 227 Series of 1988. According to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Proclamation No. 224 Series of 1988 declares every first week of March as Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day and National Women’s Day contained in the Republic Act 6949 Series of 1990.

Aside from recognizing women’s vital function in nation, the month-long celebration aims to: 1.) involve women as recipients of people-centered government programs; 2.) develop and organize venues for constructive discussion of practices, gaps, challenges, and issues to uphold the implementation of Magna Carta of Women; and 3.) empower women to become agents of social change and to help them achieve gender equality.

“I commend CMDI for bringing consciousness and reminding us about Women’s Month. Although we are moving towards equality, we still need to work hard to eliminate the underdog perception and obtain ideal status that women are co-equal of men,” expressed Ms. Mila Ramos, CMDI Librarian. “Be true to yourself, no hypocrisy, act naturally, and most of all accept your role as a woman because we can do much better,” she added.

Because violence is one of the pressing issues in the country, “we should not be afraid to voice out harassments and it’s about time to give women importance,” concluded Robielyn Villamor, college student.

By Dianne B. Ubaldo