LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) through their Gender and Development (GAD) office will be conducting several health services, gender fora, and training in celebration of women’s month in March.

PGIN GAD focal person Janet Lucia London said the free health services will be open to all to cater as many residents as possible.

To kick-off the observance in the province, GAD will conduct the  Run for Gender Equity on March 2 at the provincial capitol.

Moreover, men wearing heels and dresses will go on parade along Rizal Street in Laoag City for the Kinni-Kinni (hip swaying) Parade, together with local women’s organizations and clubs, local government officials and departments, and non-government organizations.

“In this parade, we want to sensitize not just men but the general public on the daily struggles and concerns of women, we hope that by walking in our shoes they will get a glimpse of what we go through and they will support our rights,” London said. 

The GAD office, with the Provincial Health Office (PHO), will give free health services including check-ups and testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the towns of Pagudpud and Nueva Era, and at the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) on March 19 and 20.

Pre-natal check-ups will also be available for pregnant women in their “Buntis Congress” on Mar. 26 at the Provincial Auditorium.   

Moreover, they will also be conducting the “Usapang Juana” forum to educate the participants of the Magna Carta on Women and key laws that support women’s rights in the country on March 25 at Batac City.

To empower the youth, the GAD office will also conduct self-defense training in some High Schools in the towns of Dumalneg and Burgos on March 12, Badoc on March 13, and Batac City on March 27.

“Our recurring theme is ‘WE for gender equality and inclusive society’ with the subtheme ‘Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan’ so we recognize the importance of informing women of their rights, give them opportunities, and care for their health and wellbeing,” London said. (JCR/MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)