One day in March 1908, thousands of women united and marched for better labor conditions and laws, the right of suffrage, among others, in New York City. A year later, the women gathered again in Manhattan for what they dubbed to be the first International Women’s Day.
The idea swiftly made its way to Europe with the holding of the International Conference of Women in Copenhagen in March 1910 with 100 women in attendance, representing 17 countries. International Women’s Day was then formally honored on March 8, 1911 by Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Switzerland. Russian Communist leader Vladimir Lenin even declared Women’s Day a Soviet Holiday in 1917.
Owing its growing popularity, the United Nations began sponsoring International Women’s Day on March 8, 1975, with a declaration that the body aimed “to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms requires the active participation, equality, and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.”
In February 1980, then US President Jimmy Carter declared in a Presidential Proclamation that the week of March 8 was officially National Women’s History Week. By 1986, 14 states had gone ahead and dubbed March Women’s History Month. A year later, the US congress declared March as Women’s Month in perpetuity.
Fast forward to 2021. The pandemic year 2020 is easily the most challenging year for everyone in recent history. It is particularly challenging for women who were silently tasked to manage the kids and the household and make both ends meet as the man of the house struggled to earn a living outside amid the global health threat.
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AMID PANDEMIC
Social distancing strategies across the globe have devolved work, care and domestic duties to the household, as flagged by UN Women Asia and the Pacific.
“Entrenched social norms in Southeast Asia have seen an increase in unpaid work for women with a large number responsible for homeschooling, cooking, cleaning and childcare (even while working from home), caring for elderly family and neighbors, procuring essential household items under the conditions of social distancing, and maintaining more rigorous cleaning regimes,” the report said.
In the Philippines, various groups and organizations have come up with programs and training to empower women even at the time of COVID-19.
Bravo Empowered Women Awards honor exemplary women and their achievements
In celebration of International Women’s Month, Security Bank Corporation and Zonta Club of Makati & Environs honor women achievers through the annual Bravo Empowered Women Awards. On top of the recognition, award winners will receive Php 50,000 each which they may use for their advocacies.
One winner is chosen in each of the eight categories: Arts, Culture & Heritage; Business; Culinary Arts; Education; Media & Public Affairs; Science & Technology; Social Services; and Sports.
Nominees must possess the following qualifications: Filipino citizen, of good moral character, with an outstanding track record in her profession, involved in an advocacy for the last three years, sustained a project for the improvement of society, must not have received recognition from any national or international award-giving body and must not be a member of Zonta or a Security Bank Employee.
Interested parties may visit www.securitybank.com/BravoAwards to download the nomination form and review the full guidelines. The deadline for submission of entries has been extended until April 30, 2021.
Since its founding over 69 years ago, Security Bank’s mission has been to enrich lives, empower businesses, and build communities. It has been a partner of the Zonta Club since 2015 and has supported many of its projects including the on-going FilipinaZ Fair, an annual fundraising bazaar showcasing products made by women entrepreneurs.
From homemakers to E-Nanays: Empowering moms to survive the challenges of digital learning
Take the case of Delma Marimon and Anale Cagalitan, both stay-at-home moms in Malabon City. At the height of the pandemic, they found themselves wearing more hats — they are not only moms, nurses, or cooks, they became the teacher/ tutor of their kids as online learning was implemented at home.
“When my kids would ask me about checking emails or approving Zoom sessions for their online classes, I admit that I was so afraid as I didn’t know anything about online stuff. I realized that in order to help our kids learn during this time, we have to also learn on our own and equip ourselves with the digital tools,” said Delma in Filipino.
In October 2020, the Malabon City LGU launched a new program specifically to “transform stay-at-home Nanays into E-Nanays.” Last December 21, 2020, a graduation program presented E-Nanays Delma and Anale, who were among the 50 graduates, who underwent hands-on training to ensure that each one is truly learning, and trial-and-errors are minimized. They learned the important Microsoft office programs, how to email and use different Facebook functions, and how to assist their kids during online learning sessions. They were trained at the City of Malabon University’s computer laboratories.
Malabon Mayor Lenlen Oreta, also CMU’s President, and First Lady Melissa Oreta, together with Malabon City Councilor Enzo Oreta, presented the certificates to the graduates. It was Coun. Oreta who donated the desktop computers for the use of the E-Nanays. They were joined by the team behind the E-Nanay Tutorial Program, which includes Professor Maria Luisa Tongco, Dean Gloria Gomez, University Secretary Engr. Sheila Villanueva, and Professor Maria Catherine Arboleda. The Mayor also cited the 50 senior College of Teacher Education (CTE) students who became the “private tutors” of the Nanays.
Delma and Anale, along with other Nanays, are delighted with the fact that they are now also able to adapt to the new normal way of life, pay utilities using digital apps, and even purchase products online. They feel “important” once again, and are digital-ready to face the future.
#SpeakOut Art Collective: a collaboration between Filipina artists and Avon Philippines
For over 130 years Avon has stood for women: providing innovative, quality beauty products which are primarily sold to women, through women. Avon supports women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship and well-being and has donated over $1billion to women’s causes through Avon and the Avon Foundation.
At this time of the pandemic, women have also found an ally in Avon against domestic abuse and violence. A National Demographic Health Survey records that 1 in 4 women has experienced abuse by their partner. Also, data from the PNP Women & Children Protection Center says that at least 1 woman or child is abused every 10 minutes in the country.
This silent pandemic is the subject of the #SpeakOut Art Collective, a collaboration between Filipina artists and Avon Philippines. 14 contemporary works from the all-female lineup deliver a commentary on domestic violence, bringing to light a problem that to this day, evades discourse,
The art collective features the works of visual artists Denise Heredia, Nicole Concepcion, Ciane Xavier, Gabby Prado, Cru Camara, Tyang Karyel, Mara Fabella, Tammy De Roca, Bea Policarpio, and Bree Jonson. Musicians contributing their voices to the cause are Kiana Valenciano and Peaceful Gemini, through exclusive performances during the online launch which culminated on March 19 via Avon’s Facebook page.
Proceeds raised from the auction will be donated to partner organizations that rescue and support victims of domestic violence. These are Luna Legal Resource Center for Women and Children, Gender Watch Against Violence and Exploitation (GWAVE), Women’s Care Center Inc. (WCCI), and ING MAKABABAYING AKSYON (IMA) Foundation.
To raise more funds for the advocacy, Avon also launched limited-edition #SpeakOut fundraising products: the Avon #SpeakOut Lipstick, the Evita watch, the Avon Love yourself jewelry set, and the women’s empowerment umbrella.
“We call on everyone to go online and speak out against domestic violence. Through this effort, we are hoping to spark more conversations and increase more awareness on the realities of domestic abuse caused by the isolation. We want to let survivors know that they are never alone,” said Razvan Diratian, General Manager of Avon Philippines.
The GM added that anyone can extend their support to the cause through Avon’s various fundraising channels at Avon.ph.