Celebrating women: Helping advance the cause of women empowerment and gender equality
Women have made significant progress in our journey towards equality, recognition, and respect. But the journey is far from over.
Every day, women struggle to be recognized and heard, and they face discrimination and violence both in their personal and professional lives. That’s why it’s more important than ever for each of us to celebrate women – empower them and fight for their rights.
As the local chief executive of Makati, I am seen as a role model for women. I make it a point to always speak up for women’s rights and give them opportunities to grow and contribute to society.
Women should be seen as more than just homemakers. In Makati, we have been working to arm women with skills and knowledge to be financially independent and have the means to provide for themselves and their children.
We also want women to be able to pursue their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs by giving them access to resources, mentors, and support.
Additionally, we have made Makati a woman-friendly place to do business by encouraging online sellers to become registered businesses. This way, the city can offer protection and extend assistance to continue growing and expanding their source of livelihood.
Supporting Women in Leadership Roles
Makati is a city where women can break glass ceilings and become trailblazers in various industries.
We have been working to create an environment conducive to women’s success in leadership roles. From CEOs to city officials to heads of various teams and departments, women make their mark and show everyone that they are just as competent as men.
We have also been deliberate in hiring and promoting women in leadership positions in the city government. This is not only because it is the right thing to do but also because we know that women are more likely to consider the needs of other women when making decisions.
As of 2021, 40% of our city department heads are female, and 53% of city councilors are women. You also have Vice-Mayor Monique Lagdameo and me as the top city executives. All in all, 44% of Makati’s civil servants are women.
Through the years, the city government has seen to it that women are represented in city governance, from policymaking to service delivery. We want to ensure that women’s voices are heard, and their concerns are given due attention.
We have also put up systems to help mothers fulfil their dual roles as caregivers and professionals. We want Makati to be a haven for mothers who wish to pursue their careers without worrying about their children’s welfare.
Sadly, the pandemic has highlighted gender inequality by imposing additional burdens on housewives and working women.
This blow was felt across the board — from the market vendors, public school teachers, and the daily wage earners who lost their jobs. The city could not just stand by and do nothing.
I immediately organized financial relief packages, food rations, grocery packs, and other forms of assistance. Solo parents, who are mostly single mothers, also received cash aid to tide their families over during the height of the lockdown period. We did this to cushion the impact of the economic shutdown on women —especially mothers, who bore the responsibility of feeding their children and caring for ailing loved ones.
The city government remains steadfast in its commitment to empower women and fight for their rights. We believe that we can make Makati a city where women can achieve their dreams and contribute to society by working together.
We will continue to be at the forefront of championing gender equality. I, for one, will never stop fighting for the rights of women because I know that when women succeed, everyone succeeds.
ADVT
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