“A woman is like a tea bag; you’ll never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
“Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create”, Oprah Winfrey said. And clearly, women and girls nowadays are seen as capable and equally formidable equals in terms of intelligence, decision-making, and leadership. Women are not below men’s capabilities as history treated them. Women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change-makers.
Every month of March marks the worldwide celebration of National Women’s Month as provisioned by Proclamation No. 227 series of 1998, wherein the immeasurable impact women have made on society is commemorated. To celebrate, reflect and acknowledge the contributions of women to our community’s culture and history. It also served as a venue to highlight Filipino women’s achievements and discuss emerging gender equality issues and concerns.
Every March 8 of the year also marks the observance of International Women’s Day (Republic Act 6949 series of 1990), the global celebration of women’s economic, political, and social achievements. The world celebrates it with demonstrations, educational initiatives, and customs such as presenting women with gifts and flowers.
Thus, the PNP commemorates the month-long celebration of National Women’s Month with the 6-year theme from 2017-2022, “We Make Change Work for Women,” with the sub-theme, “Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran.” This year’s celebration aims to highlight the gains achieved for women and girls, assess actions towards gender equality, and look forward to steps that must be taken to ensure progress in empowering women. It is a celebration of women exercising their choices, taking chances to make their voices heard, and benefitting from and trailblazing changes. It is a celebration of Filipino women’s power to take the narrative, raise priority issues that matter to them, and call for concrete actions.
On March 7, 2022, the PNP has conducted a kick-off ceremony of the 2022 National Women’s Month Celebration coinciding with the Flag Raising at Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City. It was attended by the Chief, PNP, PGen Dionardo B Carlos, PNP Command Group and other officers, PNP Officer’s Ladies Club, Soroptomist International Congressional, and other stakeholders.
It was graced by Ms. Sandra S Montano, Chairperson, Philippine Commission on Women as Guest of Honor and Speaker. In her message, Ms. Montano commended PNP’s commitment towards gender mainstreaming in implementing Gender and Development mandates. She also lauded the PNP personnel performing duties with passion and diligence during this pandemic, even under the scorching heat of the sun, rain, or shine, to make sure that health protocols are followed and implemented. She conveyed how she appreciated the PNP for going beyond the call of duty to ensure that every Filipino citizen is safe and secure.
The event was highlighted by the Top 10 PNP Female personnel’s awarding with good deeds-Pulis Pinay Awardees from varioust Police Regional Offices, namely: PMaj Mary Grace G Martinez, PLt Shiela Joy N Fronda, PLt Rizalyn P Soledad, PSSg Janjura A Bara, PSSg Vanessa B Camisera, PCpl Michelle Joy N Rivares, PCpl Marilou Urot, Pat Clare G Aboc and Pat Mona Lee Saludan.
The PNP recognizes the Women’s roles, contributions and exemplary services in the organization. Their contributions to peacekeeping operations and service to the community enhance carrying out all our jobs and responsibilities, making them dependable law enforcers and public servants. The PNP respects and recognizes the important role of women not only in law enforcement but also in nation-building.
The event was capped by the all-women PNP Highway Patrol Group exhibition demonstrating different riding skills.
The kick-off ceremony was also replicated by the Police Regional offices and conducted various programs and activities to appreciate and recognize that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms requires women’s active participation, equality, and development. Activities vary, such as unity walk, motorcades, Zumba, giving flowers to random women, and hanging of tarpaulins to celebrate Women’s month.
“A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of strength knows that it is in the journey where she will become strong.” -Unknown
