MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Women in the province of Lanao del Sur once again took the center stage as they were honored in the recently organized Lanao Women Summit 2023 that spotlighted their efforts and contributions to the development of their respective communities.

Bearing the theme “Celebrating the triumph of women empowerment and its leadership”, the summit was led by the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) alongside the Lanao del Sur Provincial Gender and Development Office and Office of Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s Member of Parliament Diamla Disimban Ramos as part of this year’s observance of the National Women’s Month.

“Ang pinakagoal ng ating (the very goal of our) summit is to convene women leaders and celebrate the triumph or great victories of women in Lanao del Sur, including the young leaders and advocates,” said BWC Executive Assistant Hassana Malic Unda.

Unda stressed that with this social movement, they are optimistic to deliver a positive difference as they are helping community members, especially the youth and women, to be influenced and aware of their rights.

She also said that the summit reminded women to recognize their limitations, especially since they belong to a Muslim community.

Nonetheless, Unda was happy to note that more young Maranao in Lanao del Sur and the Bangsamoro region become more enlightened as the years pass by.

As such, she heartened the public to let their awareness of gender equality and women's empowerment create lasting growth in their place.

“Patuloy natin iadvocate ang ating mga karapatan (Let us continue advocating our rights). Let us help one another to know our rights and help in developing our Bangsamoro government and region,” said Unda.

BWC Commissioner Samaona Unda affirmed the foregoing call as she emphasized that there is a need to support each other so that women can have meaningful participation.

“It is all about equipping and allowing women to make life-determining decisions for the different problems in society. The participation of women is a necessity for the development of society since it enhances both the quality and quantity of human resources available for development,” she said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)