TACLOBAN CITY  -In its continuing effort to promote the well-being of Women, the City Government under Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez spearheaded on Thursday, April 20 a Women’s Congress at the newly inaugurated Tacloban City Training Center.

Different Women’s Groups and organizations representing the various barangays of this City attended the whole day event  organized by the City Government through its City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and the Tacloban City Local Council of Women.

City Information Officer Bernardita B. Valenzuela represented Mayor Romualdez during the activity meant to empower women and  disseminate vital information on their basic rights.

According to CSWDO Chief Remedios Buna the activity helps to provide a forum and an avenue to discuss Women’s Rights with the participation of different stakeholders and agencies.

Valenzuela underscored that in order for women to be empowered, she must know first her rights.    She then assured participants that the City Government under Mayor Cristina is at the forefront of activities advocating the welfare and protection of women.

Among the initiatives of the City Government for the protection and empowerment of its female residents is its Women’s Shelter which was established in 2010 and  offers a temporary home for abused women and their children.

It has also actively campaigned for the setting up of Women’s Desk in all barangays, conducted community sessions and organized women in communities.

Livelihood opportunities are also available for women wanting to have a steady source of income through the Cristina’s Learn and Earn Program (CLEP) – a pet project of Mayor Cristina.

Resource persons from the Commission on Human Rights lectured to participants on the Magna Carta of Women or RA 9710 and  the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children  (VAWC) or RA 9262, while VAW Survivors shared their inspiring stories of survival.

A comprehensive law that guarantees and recognizes women’s basic rights, the Magna Carta of Women  seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting their Rights.

Passed in 2004, RA 9262 meanwhile, addresses the prevalence of violence against women and children (VAWC) by considering it a  public crime by meting out just penalties to offenders.

Violence Against Women or VAW is among the most universal and pervasive human rights violations,

VAW takes many forms, including physical and emotional abuse, early and forced marriage, trafficking and deprivation of resources and rights to name a few.- HENRY JAMES G. ROCA/CIO