Rehabilitative and protective services for women was the focus of this year’s Women’s Month Celebration through an orientation on laws on women held recently at Crown Pavillion, Tuguegarao City with the theme, “Juana, Desisyon mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!”

Commission on Human Rights Regional Director Atty. Cecilia M. Lazaro spoke before employees of DSWD FO 02 on the rights available to women under various laws enacted for their protection particularly R.A. 9262 or Anti- Violence against Women and their Children Act.

“Nowadays, women have become a symbol of change in their families, communities and in Philippine society. With their strength and leadership, they can influence public opinion and decision making relative to social development and nation building,” Atty. Lazata stressed.

Meanwhile, Ms. Lucia S. Alan, Head of the Protective Services Unit, pointed out that this year’s theme aims to pay tribute to women leaders who continue to advance women’s advocacies.

“Their key roles and accomplishments should put to rest the bygone practice where women are relegated to household duties and has no civil and political rights primarily enjoyed by men,” Ms. Alan said.

Noticeably present during the orientation were male employees of the field office who agreed with the opinions of both women leaders, Atty. Lazaro and Ms. Alan. These male employees were members of the Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere (MOVE) organization.

Apart from educating the participants on the said laws, Ms. Jennie Marizette A. Santiago, Project Development Officer I, provided tips on self-care for women such as breast examination, among others.

The activity ended with a treat for the participants as they were treated to a relaxing message. ### By: GELA FLOR R. PEREZ, Regional Information Officer II