NCRFW leads 2007 Women's Month celebration
PRESS RELEASE
March 08, 2007
March 8, Manila. Economic empowerment of women captures the festive spirit of the National Women's Day celebration today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Adriatico Street, Manila. Around 7,000 participants from government agencies and civil society groups are expected to attend the event, with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) as keynote speaker.
The National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) and its partners in local government units and civil society groups lead the month-long celebration in key cities and provinces.
This year's theme, "CEDAW ng BAYAN: Kabuhayan ng Kababaihan", highlights women's economic rights and economic empowerment to strengthen the implementation of the U.N. Convention for the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), United Nations Millennium Development Goals (UN MDGs) and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s BEAT THE ODDS program where poverty reduction is a key priority thrust.
The government is addressing poverty reduction by encouraging the growth of entrepreneurship through its micro-finance programs and facilities. Data from the People's Credit and Finance Corporation show that about 80 provinces and 117 cities nationwide have been covered by microfinance programs. As of December 2006, there were more than two million active microfinance clients generating about 872, 642 jobs where 93 percent are women.
In support to government initiatives, the NCRFW in partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other national government agencies and LGUs, is executing the Gender Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation of Women (GREAT Women) Project.
"By creating an enabling environment to support women in microenterprises, the project will help the administration in ensuring that women not only have access to microfinance but also to skills training, technology development, product standards, financial management, information technology, markets and social protection. Most of all, all partners–service providers as well as clients will work towards equality of opportunities and elimination of gender discrimination," NCRFW Chairperson Myrna T. Yao said.
The whole day event also features the CEDAW songwriting contest, testimonials from women entrepreneurs and a trade and services fair. The fair showcases a one-stop services center where the public can avail of medical, legal, counseling and government services such as securing birth certificate and NBI clearance. The fair will be open to the public.
Contact Person: Ms. Anette Baleda, NCRFW Media Officer
Tel. No.: (632) 735 – 8509
Mobile No.: 09178074743
Email: aebaleda@yahoo.com.