MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Highlighting the essence and existence of women in society, the city government here through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) led the annual celebration of Women’s Month that is observed nationwide every March of the year. 

The local government stated that they intended the program to underscore the role of women in nation-building and their fundamental quality that is equal with men as provided by the law. 

Such was affirmed by Mayor Majul Gandamra, stressing that Women's Month is more than just an occasion to celebrate women and their achievements. 

He stated that this is an event to empower, encourage and motivate any agenda promoting equal rights and opportunities for all women. 

“I commend all women in the Bangsamoro [region], Lanao del Sur and Marawi City. I commend everyone who works to bring about positive change,” said Gandamra. 

The mayor shared that under his administration, they have ensured that the women's sector would not be left behind by implementing programs that extend interventions, especially for them.

CSWDO Officer-in-Charge Rismirah Adap also conveyed how they bolster gender and development (GAD) initiatives that are anchored in the Philippine Constitution that recognizes the vital role of women in the stability and advancement of the country. 

She underlined that truly, women play a big role in developing communities. However, she clarified that talking about women's empowerment and recognizing their importance in nation-building does not necessarily mean that men are being deprived of their rights. 

Adap also expressed her awe as a lot of men joined their celebration of Women’s Month, saying that alongside their initiative of recognizing women’s role is also the burden of influencing the communities to let men be aware of their boundaries when handling women. 

“Hindi ibig sabihin na dahil asawa o kapatid nila [Just because they are wives or sisters does not mean that], they have all the right to do anything they want to do to that woman,” she said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)