MARAWI CITY--Hundreds of employees from the Bangsamoro Government and the City Government of Cotabato participated in a motorcade Wednesday morning, March 8, to kick off this year’s National Women’s Month celebration.

After the motorcade, the Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) put on a short event at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex.
With the theme "WE for Gender Equity and Inclusive Society", BWC Chairperson Bainon Karon said the celebration in BARMM aligns with the Bangsamoro Development Plan (BDP) 2023–2028 and the BARMM 12-Point Priority Agenda.

The BDP is the medium-term comprehensive development plan of the Bangsamoro Government that lays down the plans, programs, and projects for the BARMM, including the manned utilization of the Special Development Plan (SDF) provided by the national government for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of conflict-affected communities in the region.

Karon says that the 12-Point Priority Agenda aims for a Bangsamoro that is strong, united, and able to support itself.

"To be able to achieve this, we should ensure inclusive and equitable access to quality services for social justice and human capital development and build peaceful, safe, and resilient Bangsamoro communities," Karon said.

The chairperson said a multifaceted approach is required in creating a gender-equitable and inclusive society. "This involves addressing institutional and systemic biases, implementing policies that promote gender equity and diversity, and creating a culture that values and embraces diversity," she said.

"Overall, creating a gender-equitable and inclusive society requires a collective effort from individuals, organizations, and the government. It is a continuous process that requires a commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion," she added.

Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said that the Bangsamoro Government understands the "delicate role" that women play in taking care of families, making communities stronger, and promoting unity.

"With this year’s theme, we affirm that the change that we want for our better future is inclusive, dependable, and sustainable for every Bangsamoro, especially for Bangsamoro women," Ebrahim said.

The Chief Minister also praised the BWC for fighting for the rights and welfare of Bangsamoro women and giving them the power to lead organizations and communities.

Representing the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) and the Higaonon tribe’s focal person for gender and development, Rubymae Laconde thanked the Bangsamoro Government for recognizing the significant contributions of women, particularly of the IPs, in society.

"Bilang isang babaeng indigenous people, malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa BARMM Government dahil napakinggan at nagkaroon kami ng masisilungan," Laconde shared.

"Mula nong nagkaroon ng BARMM ay unti-unting nawawala ang discrimination sa mga kababaihan at napapakinggan ang aming mga hinaing bilang isang babaeng indigenous people," she added. (BIO/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)