The National Nutrition Council – NCR joins the nation in the observance of the 2015 National Women’s Month. This yearly celebration has three legal mandates: (1) Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988 declaring the first week of March each year as Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day; (2) Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988 providing for the observance of the Month of March as Women’s Role in History Month; and (3) Republic Act (RA) 6949 s. 1990 declaring March 8 of every year as National Women’s Day.

The theme of this year’s Women’s Month is, “Juana, Desisyon mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!”. It emphasizes the need for and importance of full participation and equitable representation of women in all spheres of society and make them realize their role as agents and beneficiaries of development as stated in the Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta for Women. There are still notable disparities among men and women across various sectors such as in politics and leadership wherein only few women still occupy top level positions in public works, national defense and law enforcement. While opportunities are open for women in the field of politics and decision making, many still hesitate to grab these opportunities due to reproductive roles, conservative mindset and a belief that politics and leadership are not for women.

Thus, this celebration calls on all “Juanas” to stand up and move forward. It aims to pay tribute to all women leaders who have stood up and passionately led and continue to advance women’s advocacies. This celebration is also a perfect timing to call on women to run in public office in the 2016 election.

Calling all “Juanas”! Let us all join in building a nation of empowered women! Ikaw Na Juana!