By: JACINTA M. DADO

     The Philippine Commission on Women defined Gender and Development (GAD) as a development perspective and process that is participatory and empowering, equitable, sustainable, free from violence, respectful of human rights, supportive of self-determination, and actualizing human potential.

The celebration commemorates a moment in the improvement of women’s rights as it releases a new recurring theme, “We for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” from the present year to 2028, and a sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patunayan!”. It sparks a renewed commitment to advocacy and groups on the developments accomplished in 2016–2022, with the theme “We Make Change Work for Women,” which emphasizes the requirement for sympathetic and coordinated networks in the direction of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

     The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is “Inspire Inclusion.” This means that we appreciate and respect women from all different backgrounds, regardless of where they come from, how much money they have, and their beliefs about politics. When women feel like they belong and are important, they feel stronger and more empowered.

     For proper dissemination of the 2024 GAD activity, Fourth Estate Elementary School organized GAD-FOCAL POINT SYSTEM and Re-Structured GAD Bulletin Boards headed by the school principal, Dr. Teresita S. Rodriguez.

     In line with this, the teaching and non-teaching personnel of Fourth Estate Elementary School held a seminar about the “Safe Spaces Act or the R.A. 11313 also known as the Bawal Bastos Law in preparation for the opening of the Women’s Month Celebration, last January 24, 2024. It was discussed by Atty. Mark Francis O. Na-oy, Schools Division of Paranaque City Legal Officer, during our In-Service Training (InSeT) for teachers. The said Republic Act was approved last April 2019 by President Rodrigo Duterte and aims to ensure the equality, security, and safety of every individual in both private and public spaces, including online and in workplaces.

       Fourth Estate Elementary School will also celebrate its culminating program or activity on March 8, 2024. The program will start with a parade to be accompanied by the Drum and Lyre Corps and a seminar on the R.A.11313. This will be attended by the Grade VI learners, the School Elementary Learners Government (SELG), and the selected members of the Girls Scout troop. Teachers and non-teaching personnel are encouraged to wear purple shirts that are recognized as the color of women, which symbolizes justice and dignity. It also highlights the empowerment of women as active contributors to society. After the said program, the FEES family and learners will have a photo booth.

       Meanwhile, on April 5–6, teachers and non-teaching personnel will have GAD off-campus activities in Batangas City. “Psycho-social and Spiritual wellness will be discussed in the said seminar which aims to maintain and promote teachers’ well-being during difficult times. After discussion, teachers will have a dance Zumba to strengthen/boost their health conditions.

“Empowering women isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do.” -Barrack Obama 

      Atty. Mark Francis O. Na-oy, an invited speaker from the Division of Paranaque, discusses the Safe Spaces R.A. 11313, also known as Bawal Bastos Law