Nation Observes Women with Disabilities Day

Women with disabilities in the entire country including their advocates will celebrate the 13th Women with Disabilities Day with a grand celebration that will be conducted on March 28, 2017 at the Philippine Arena, Ciudad de Victoria, Bocaue, Bulacan.

Throughout history, women with disabilities in developing countries experience a triple bind: first, they are discriminated against because they are women; second, because they are disabled; and third, because they are from the developing world.

Historically, they have been neglected by those concerned with issues of disability as well as feminist movement.

More significantly, the adaption by the United Nations of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in December 6, 2006 took cognizance on the dismal situation of women with disabilities, thus requiring States Parties that include the Philippines, to ensure the full development for the purpose of guaranteeing the exercises and enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Through Proclamation No. 744 issued on December 6, 2004 “Declaring the Last Monday of March Every Year as Women with Disabilities Day”, the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) spearheads the Day’s celebration with the Department of Justice (DOJ) as chair of the National Working Committee this year which leads the celebration.

A theme was adopted titled “Babaeng Maykapansanan, Manguna at Manindigan Tungo sa Pagbabago,” which captures the cherished desires of women with disabilities among other marginalized groups to lead and push for societal reforms geared towards their empowerment and full participation in all aspects of human endeavors.

Various activities will be conducted on the Day’s event that include (1) Mounting of booths containing information materials, Services/Trainings by government agencies and non-government organizations, (2) Trade Fairs and Bazaars of products made by persons with disabilities particularly women with disabilities, (3) Cultural presentations thru song and dance numbers of talented persons with disabilities particularly women, and (4) Testimonies of women leaders with disabilities.

President Rodrigo Duterte will lead the Guests of Honor together with Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II of the Department of Justice and Secretary Judy Taguiwalo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, among other top officials. Other guests will include Governors and Mayors from Regions 1, 3, 4-A and the National Capital Region. Ms. Marian Rivera-Dantes who is the designated Ambassadress for Women and Children with Disabilities will deliver an Inspirational Message which will give emphasis on the theme for the Day’s celebration. (NCDA)