1. Pursuant to Proclamation No. 224, s. 1988 titled Declaring the First Week of March of Every Year as Women’s Week, the field is hereby informed on the SDO participation to the National Women’s Month 2024 with the sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan!” which echoes the target outcomes of Chapter 15 in the Updated Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Plan 2019-2025 towards transforming gender norms and culture. The whole month celebration will commence on March 4, 2028, in the division office and all public elementary and secondary schools within the division.
2. With “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the 2024 sub-theme calls for a Bagong Pilipinas where women are given equitable opportunities and not hindered by gender biases and discriminatory stereotypes. “Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan!,” aims to showcase and harness the full potentials of women and girls in actively engaging in and reaping the benefits of national growth and development. However, achieving this requires an enabling environment free from discriminatory values, stereotypes, beliefs, treatment, and portrayal of women and girls across family, religion, education, sports, media, and other relevant institutions. The vision extends to government agencies and institutions incorporating gender mainstreaming in the bureaucracy, men joining the cause for equality, and establishing a legal framework that supports the protection of marginalized groups of women, including the girl child, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, Muslims, and those with diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE).
3. This year’s National Women’s Month Celebration aims to:
a. inform and engage women and everyone in pushing for the transformation of gender norms and culture towards an inclusive society;
b. highlight the collaborative efforts of government agencies and the private sector in addressing poverty and strengthening financial institutions to bridge gender gaps, advocating for social protection systems, and enhancing access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for women and girls;
c. provide platforms to share good practices and address gaps, challenges, and commitments in pursuing gender and development (GAD), further strengthening the implementation of the Magna Carta of Women toward its milestone 15th year this 2024;
d. inspire women and girls to empower themselves and take on leadership roles, opportunities, and benefits toward maximizing their full potential and enabling them to reap the fruits of gender equality; and
e. promote a society that ensures inclusion, protection of fundamental freedoms, diversity, and social justice, in which every individual, each with rights and responsibilities, is capacitated and encouraged to take an active role in playing.
4. All division and school personnel are encouraged to wear purple every Friday, starting March 8 of this year, all throughout the month to symbolize solidarity with women’s empowerment and gender equality and in participation to the International Women’s Day.
5. All private schools in the division may also participate and follow the suggested activities enclosed in this memorandum.
6. For the 2024 NWMC Branding Guidelines, visit the link bit.ly/2024NWMCBranding.
7. With these, all GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) in the division and all public schools are required to attend a virtual meeting on February 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM, via MS Teams with the link to be posted on GAD Coordinators MS group.
8. Herewith are the Division Women’s Month Celebration Activities and Suggested School Activities for references.
9. Immediate dissemination of this Memorandum to all concerned is earnestly desired.
