In 2004, Davao City received its sole Gawad Pook Award for its pioneering work in women’s protection and empowerment. This achievement stemmed from the Women Development Code, signed by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in 1987 and developed by women leaders from various sectors. The code’s implementation is managed by the Integrated Gender Development Division, a unique entity in the Philippines that continues to provide a space for women to thrive and be empowered.
On March 4th, women from across Davao City gathered for the 25th Women’s Summit, themed “Babaye sa Tanang Sector: Nagpaniguro sa Malambuong Kaugmaon” (Women in All Sectors: Ensuring a Prosperous Future). This event showcased women’s accomplishments from the past year and addressed ongoing challenges of the present. A key focus was women’s health, with PhilHealth providing information on available benefits. The summit highlighted the need to improve women’s health-seeking habits, as many prioritize family care over their own well-being, especially given the prevalence of breast and cervical cancer.
Legislators also presented ordinances designed to improve women’s lives, recognizing the significant influence of the women’s vote, which represents 49% of the population. Organizations like Lawig Bubai and Talikala raised concerns about the shift of sexual abuse and harassment to digital platforms, making monitoring more difficult and potentially affecting younger victims.
A leader of a male-led gender advocacy group was given a platform to discuss views on women’s empowerment. While his views were more insightful than average, some women reacted to sensitive points regarding intimate partner relationships.
This incident reflects that achieving true male understanding of women’s experiences requires more than just intellectual awareness. It demands a change in perspective. Even well-meaning male allies may struggle to fully understand women’s lived experiences without actively developing empathy and challenging their own biases. This is not about assigning blame, but about recognizing the ongoing need for men to actively listen, learn, and internalize women’s perspectives.
Women’s struggle for voice and value still has a long way to go.
