MARCH 2015 ARTICLE 3

MDS NEWSLETTER
Date Issued: March 2015

2015 NATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH

       Women make up almost half of the entire Philippine population but disparities in women and men’s representation in leadership levels still persist. While opportunities for women in politics and decision-making are opening up, many still hesitate to take on leadership positions due to their unpaid reproductive roles, conservative mindsets and beliefs that politics and leadership are not women’s world. This National Women’s Month, we enjoin all “Juanas” to stand and break through fear and self-doubt as fear is the root of so many barriers that women face - the fear of being not liked, the fear of making the wrong choice, the fear of drawing negative attention, the fear of being judged, the fear of failure and the fear of being a bad mother or wife or daughter.

        We hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in. Women should occupy fifty percent of the leadership. As women and men have different life experiences, they think differently and have different perspectives and priorities. Hence, both of them should be in all the different levels of leadership whether in civil society organizations, academe, bureaucracy or electoral politics. We, therefore, appeal to both government and social movements to join hands in enabling “Juana” to participate freely and openly.

        We need to equip women with knowledge and skills necessary to effectively involve themselves in governance. We should never get tired of providing equal opportunities for women and men and break the glass ceilings and walls. We are also calling “Juans” to support “Juanas” as they aspire to become leaders. Sharing of roles and responsibilities in the household fosters healthy partnership and relationship. We need more men who can stand for and promote women’s rights. Lastly, we want all “Juanas” to dream, to aspire and inspire. Let us learn how to define ourselves and not to be defined by others. A happy and meaningful Women’s Month to all “Juanas!”

Source: www.pcw.gov.ph/article/2015-national-women%E2%80%99s-month-celebration-message