SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) shared tips on how to empower girls in line with the observance of Girl-Child Week from March 23 to 29, 2025.
Social worker Careen F. Panaguiton of PSWDO emphasized the importance of empowering young girls in preparing them to be resilient and strong women leaders in the future.
“Today’s young girls are tomorrow’s women, thus empowering them should start while they are young,” she said in a radio program “Pagpaathag” of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Antique at Radyo Natin San Jose.
Proclamation No.759 issued on March 6, 1996 provides for the observance of the Girl-Child Week every last week of March of every year.
This year’s Girl-Child week carries the theme “Walang Puwang sa Lipunan ang Karahasan: Labanan ang Pang-aabuso at Eksploytasyon sa Batang Babae Online at Offline.”
Panaguiton put emphasis on the elimination of gender-based violence even in simple ways in homes, schools, and communities.
She noted that creating a safe home environment is essential in kids’ empowerment such as securing electrical connections and appliances are kept out of children’s reach including hazardous substances and disinfectants.
Likewise, a simple no smoking policy in homes, schools, and the environment could do a lot to protect kid’s health.
PSWDO also warned parents of unregulated use of the internet among kids at a very young age.
Aside from the physical harm, it could impact the child and may expose them to online exploitation and abuse.
She urged parents to teach children about safe and unsafe touch and assure them that they can trust their instincts and tell someone they trusted about any unsafe situations.
Children should also know online safety practices including who they should or should talk to online and what information they are allowed to share.
Panaguiton also emphasized that open communication among members of the family could encourage children to speak their views on certain topics that concern them. (AGP/PSM/PIA Antique)
