The DSWD Field Office Eight, under the leadership of Regional Director Leticia Diokno, will make March truly eventful for women, as the nation celebrates Women’s Month this month. Theme for this year is “ Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility.”

Diokno emphasized that there’s a need for Field Office Eight employees and workers to be well – equipped with knowledge on women’s laws and issues so they become true advocates for women’s cause, the DSWD being the government’s primary welfare arm.

On March 5, there will be a lecture on the Role of Women in Risk Reduction, at the Operations Control Room of the Field Office, announced Gina Ogay who is the focal person for Women’s Program. By March 7, there will be a Speakers Bureau Contest focusing on Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children law, followed by a lecture on Women’s Health Education in the afternoon.

Ogay furthermore bared that on March 9, there will be a symposium on “One Hundred and one Ways to Keep Your Woman,” to be attended by husbands of workers and employees. Later, they will join with their spouses in the afternoon, in an activity dubbed as “ Couples Day.”

On the other hand, a Gender Competition is set on March 13 – with male employees battling in activities tailor – made for women, like applying make –up. For March 14, it will be a Gender Sports Clinic, Ogay said.

Another activity for men is a Gender Sensitivity Training on March 15 to 16.   Meanwhile, the MOVE Chapter of DSWD Field Office Eight, under president Federico Pagayanan, is planning for a tree-planting activity or a one – kilometre fun – run on March 29.

MOVE stands for Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere. It is an organization of men who committed themselves to be actively involved in the elimination of violence against women, and these men come from the government, academe, private sector, and non-government organizations.

Meanwhile, the DSWD Field Office Eight will hold a press conference on March 15, with focus on the programs and services for women. It will also participate in the inter-agency “big bang” celebration on March 28 at Robinson’s Place – Tacloban.