The Philippine Statistics Authority-Rizal Provincial Statistical Office headed by Yra B. Sibug, Chief Statistical Specialist proactively joined the 2022 National Women’s Month Celebration in recognition of women’s role and contribution in nation-building and as agents of national development on March 1.

       The staging of this annual national activity is pursuant to Proclamation No. 224 and 227, s. of 1988, Republic Act Ano. 6949 (1990). In addition, the country also celebrates the Girl Child Week and the Women with Disabilities Day as declared in Proclamation No. 759, s. of 1996 and Proclamation No. 744, s. of 2004.

       Culminating the 6-year theme “WE Make CHANGE Work for Women” this year poses a statement and a question: Did WE Make CHANGE Work for Women? How and to what extent? With this theme, stakeholders can gauge the changes implemented towards Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, pursuant to laws on women, particularly the Magna Carta of Women.

       To cap our six-year recurring theme (2017 to 2022), the 2022 NWMC will focus on the sub-theme: Agenda ng Kababaihan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran. It will be 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.

       As enjoined by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), PSA-Rizal conceptualized activities in line with the 2022 NWMC.

       Some of the activities lined-up to be conducted within the month are; Sharing about NWMC in Flag Raising Ceremonies wherein the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang Video will be used; GAD Forum discussing gender issues; #GADtoKnow information materials distribution; displaying of banner in support of 2022 NWMC; wearing of anything Purple every Tuesday of March; support and participate PCW’s online advocacy and activities.

       Through the years, the PSA continues to push for gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) in leadership, governance, and public service. We support this year’s sub-theme including women’s concerns in the government agenda and enabling more women to implement and at the same time, demand programs and services that can bring the country closer to narrowing the gender gaps and moving towards sustainable and equitable development.