It wasn’t only about the women. Husbands also had their part in the celebration of International Women’s Day in Bais City, which was marked by a four-day program at the Cultural Hall and the S4K building.
“Husbands,” Mayor Karen Villanueva said, “have a solemn responsibility as equal partners with their wives to live and care for each other and for their children.”
With the theme “Kababaihan: Gabay sa pagtahak sa tuwid na daan.” the IWD celebration last March 5-8 was marked by the active support and collaboration of the different agencies of the government and sectors Mayor Villanueva, who is running for the congressional seat of the second district of Negros Oriental, spoke about gender equality stressing that parents should rear their children with love and teach them to be law-abiding citizens. Speeches were also given by women’s rights advocate Benjamin Baruc, a registered male social worker who discussed tips on anger management and relaxation techniques for men.
Another speaker was Reynald Dote of Gender Watch Against Violence & Exploitation (G-WAVE), who spoke about violence Against Women (VAW) and traditional masculinity. Lawyer Myrish Cadapan Antonio, a women’s rights advocate, also presented her insights on the Magna Carta for Women and the role of LGU’s in its implementation. The topic on sexual harassment was expounded by lawyer Florence Ed O. Kadusale.
Prior to the closing of the celebration, approximately 1500 participants from the different government agencies, NGO’s and women’s organization from the 35 barangays paraded along the streets of Bais City, which was followed by a program at the Cultural Hall, where women’s rights advocate and Dumaguete MetroPost columnist Cecilia Hoffman shared her insights on gender equality. (Bais Multimedia)
