By ILOILO CITY – “Fight for livelihood, justice, and sovereignty!” – This was the theme of the International Working Women’s Day celebration in Iloilo City led by Gabriela Panay and Guimaras last March 8, 2024. The activity was held in partnership with the Panay Alliance of Concerned Citizens for Health and Environmental Protection
The activity started with an agro-fair and bazaar, which features different local products from various organizations around Western Visayas. A forum was also held to discuss the situation and the calls of women and people. This was followed by a protest march from La Paz to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol and was closed with a community dance of One Billion Rising.
The history of commemorating International Working Women’s Day is rooted in the struggle of working women for the right to work. Part of this was the protest march of thousands of women in New York City, USA in 1908 to demand shorter working hours, wage increase, and the right to vote.
According to Lucy Francisco, Chairperson of Gabriela Panay and Guimaras, fighting for women’s rights does not remain only for women, but the problem of all sectors must be solved. According to Francisco, true democracy and freedom can only be achieved by fighting together with the people.
OFWs and the people throughout the country also held protest actions to amplify the calls of women and oppose the Charter Change, which is seen to worsen the problems of the country.
Gabriela challenges all women to be part of the struggle of various sectors for genuine democracy and freedom.//PT
