The Philippines recognizes the women’s significant contribution to nation-building and national development by issuing legal bases for championing women through Proclamation Nos. 224 and 227 in 1988 and RA 6949, s1990. The National Nutrition Council X joins the National Women’s Month (NWM) celebration, in support to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). The theme of which is “WE Make CHANGE Work for Women”, while this year’s campaign is entitled “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!” This celebration is a tribute, a platform, and a call to action that highlights the extraordinary roles of ordinary Juanas in the society as trailblazers and harbingers of change.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, community quarantine and lockdown measures required all individuals to stay at home and women doing significantly more domestic chores and family care than men. Thus, emerging data and reports from organizations show that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, have intensified. According to United Nations of Women, globally, even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, 1 in 3 women experienced physical or sexual violence mostly by an intimate partner. Also, by notion, women are the primary caretakers of children and elders in every country of the world, thus they only remain at home. However, it is noted that the contribution of women to society is taking a lead across nations.
This year’s campaign urges all heads of executive departments, agencies, offices, universities and colleges, government, non-government organizations, and all others concerned to be a part of the celebration to empower and support women in engaging confidently in all aspects, either in the workplace or at home. It emphasizes collective efforts to ensure that women will not be left behind in the pursuit of national development. Moreover, it is important that men should assist women in caregiving, home-schooling, domestic duties and their career without reservations. It will help women knowing that their partners are able to aid them. This help is also greatly acknowledged as some women are essential professionals in the frontlines against COVID-19 who are required to work in longer durations.
The NNC X joins the NWM celebration by promoting, supporting and advocating its objectives. NNC X joins in the bandwagon in disseminating key NWM messages through hanging of streamer, participating in the purple movement (through social media cards, NWM profile picture frames, staff uniforms) and information dissemination through social media. Payo ni Juana is one of the highlights of NNC X’s socmed initiatives to be posted every Monday, where a short video message from nutrition workers will be featured. Such videos will include empowering messages from Juanas in overcoming the challenges in implementing nutrition activities especially in the pandemic. Juana sa DIEZ on Fridays will share quotes and encouraging messages for the Juanas championing nutrition. Other activities such as webinars and learning activities organized by stakeholders will be shared widely to nutrition workers and networks.
The COVID-19 pandemic challenged gender issues. Hence, continual campaign and support for equality for women should be intensified. Otherwise, if these issues remain unaddressed, it will reverse the hard-won gains in gender equality.
The current situation enabled women to gain new experiences, whether be it at home, in the workplace, or any other setting. And with these new experiences, Juanas proved that even in situations where issues and problems are exacerbated, women can conquer. Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya! (NO I Vazamija Therese A. Villasi)
References:
Philippine Commission on Women. (n.d.). 2021 National Women’s Month. Retrieved on 5 March 2021 from https://pcw.gov.ph/2021-national-womens-month/
Smith, D.G., & Johnson, W.B. (4 May 2020). Gender equity starts in the home. Retrieved on 4 March 2021 from https://hbr.org/2020/05/gender-equity-starts-in-the-home
United Nation of Women. (16 September 2020). UN Women COVID-19 and its economic toll on women: the story behind the numbers. Retrieved on 4 March 2021 from https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/9/feature-covid-19-economic-impacts-on-women
United Nation of Women. (n.d.). The shadow pandemic: violence against women during COVID-19. Retrieved on 4 March 2021 from https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/in-focus-gender-equality-in-covid-19-response/violence-against-women-during-covid-19
