LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – In celebration of the National Women’s Month, the Gender and Development (GAD) office of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte will conduct free health services and seminars in some towns in the province this March.

According to Janet Lucia London, Population Program Officer and GAD focal person, these health caravans and seminars will be open for all genders to educate the participants on women’s rights, conduct health forums, and give them free Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) testing.

The health forum and free AIDs testing will be conducted on March 23 and 24 at the municipalities of Paoay and Dingras, respectively, starting 1:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the GAD Congress: Usapang Juana seminar will be conducted on March 28 and 29, at the municipality of Currimao and Laoag City, respectively, starting 1:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

“These activities will be open for all genders- women, men, and non-binary, because we want to spread awareness and give health benefits to everyone who needs it. So, everyone can join,” London encouraged.

She also encouraged Ilokanos to join in the ‘Purple Wednesdays,’ a campaign to wear purple clothing every Wednesday of the month to show support for gender equality and women empowerment.  

GAD Ilocos Norte kicked off the women’s month celebration with a “Fun Run for Gender Equity” last March 4, which was joined by about 200 participants, followed by the “Kinni Kinni Parade” on March 8 which was participated by representatives from the different local government units, government agencies, and some non-government organizations. (JCR/MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)