ZAMBOANGA CITY, Mar 9 (PIA) – Marcha de las Mujeres, a purple walk for a cause, is an annual kick-off activity organized by the City Government of Zamboanga Gender and Development Office (GAD) in partnership with the Local Council of Women - Zamboanga City Chapter in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8.
Thousands of participants from Local Government Unit, Local Council of Women, National Government Agencies, LGBTQ+ community, Security Sector and City Government supported this year’s Marcha de Las Mujeres.
The Marcha de las Mujeres is an activity to acknowledge and celebrate women in society and their role as active contributors of development.
“Women are already taking up space and we are proud to say that we are slowly achieving our goal of equality and gender balance in the society,” said City GAD focal Wilfredo Aporongao.
During the activity, the City Government also recognized the empowered and strong Zamboangeña who brought pride in the city through their accomplishments.
They recognized Kristine Paraon, world champion of indoor rowing held in Toronto, Canada and Mercedita Gaballo, awardee of Sampung Natatanging Kasambahay 2023.
Mayor John Dalipe emphasizes that women play a central role in the society, a role that has evolved over the years and continue to develop. Women have shown great potential and earn huge success in whatever endeavor they venture into.
“Women, stand for beauty, independence and progress. They stand for industry, resiliency, perseverance and intelligence. Life becomes more colorful and warmer with women, they make the word brighter and gentler. Let as also honor the LGBTQ+ community who work together with women to advance justice, dignity and opportunity to all,” Mayor Dalipe said.
The effort of City Government undertakes to improve the health education economic and social condition of women, not only the women sector but also includes their families.
One of the highlights of the celebration of Women’s Month is the Women’s Fair and exhibit which is first in Zamboanga City, where they prepare different services to all Zamboangeños from March 27 to 30 at KCC Mall de Zamboanga. This includes breast, cervical screening, legal services and many more.
Moreover, aside from the advocacy programs and activities of Zamboanga City, Department of Social Welfare and Development 9 (DSWD 9) also supports all the programs of the local government units to protect the rights of women in the society.
“The support that we are giving to women will create an impact to the next generations to come, especially to the children, who will continue the campaign and advocacy in fighting the rights of women,” said Ivan Eric Salvador, Regional Information Officer of DSWD 9. (NBE/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
