Women empowerment, a shared responsibility - Apayao Gov. Bulut Jr.

Apayao, Philippines – Achieving women empowerment requires collective action.

Cordillera Regional Development Council Chairperson and Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr. underscored this in his talk during the opening of the Women’s Month celebration on March 6, replayed during the closing program with a “kapihan” in Baguio City on March 31.

Women empowerment, he said, is not just a women's issue as it affects the locality as a whole.

“The struggle for equality in respecting women's rights is not a matter that should be left for women to do. We must all do our part,” emphasized the governor.

“Women should not be left to do all the heavy lifting, men should exert the same, if not, more effort,” he added.

Programs and policies promoting inclusivity and gender equality, he explained, must be implemented to address violence, discrimination, and harassment being faced by those in the women sector.

While there has been observed progress on the region’s campaign for gender equality and inclusivity, the RDC Chair acknowledged that there are still challenges that must be worked on, with the collaboration of all.

“The road ahead is long and winding so we must not waver... We must also work to change cultural attitudes that perpetuate discrimination and inclusion, and promote a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding,” Bulut further stressed.

“Babai ka, saan nga babai ka lang”

Meanwhile, Apayao Congressman Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang urged girls, ladies, and women to take a stand and be firm in fighting for it saying, “babai ka, saan nga babai ka lang.”

“Your potentials in almost all development areas are overwhelming. There comes no more appropriate moment for you to advance your rights than now, more than ever,” she said in her keynote message during the culminating program of the same celebration in Apayao, also on March 31.

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