Representatives from DSWD Field Office 7, along with members of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking 7 – Violence Against Women and their Children (IACAT7-VAWC), participated in the International Women’s Day celebration in Cebu City on March 8, 2025.

The event, organized by the Cebu City Women and Family Affairs Commission, brought together various sectors, including government agencies, non-government organizations, and barangay gender and development groups in observance of Women’s Month.

Participants marched through the downtown streets to Cebu Plaza Independencia in a powerful display of solidarity in the fight against gender-based violence while promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Maribeth Lawas, a DSWD worker, participated in the activity to show support for the cause.

“Dako ang akong pagsalig nga ang pag-apil ug pag-suporta sa mga adbokasiya alang sa mga kababayen-an mopalig-on sa mga katuyoan nga madungog ang atong tingog ug mas masabtan sa kadaghanan ang atong mga katungod,” (I strongly believe that participating in and supporting women’s advocacy will make our voices heard and our rights more widely understood),” Lawas said.

She believes that by participating, her voice—no matter how small—contributes to a noble cause. While she considers herself just one voice, she knows that together with others, it becomes a call for an expanded movement toward women’s empowerment.

The International Women’s Day celebration, with the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” calls for actions that unlock equal rights and opportunities for all, advocating for a feminist future where no one is left behind, as stated by UN Women.

In DSWD 7, women make up 69.6% of the workforce. The department believes that by advancing the sector’s agenda and engaging with various organizations, more women will recognize the significance of the movement, while more men will come to understand that society must be, and always should be, equal for all.

Assistant Regional Director for Operations Juanito C. Cantero highlighted in his speech that Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero leads DSWD in Central Visayas, a trailblazing woman leader whose exceptional contributions have driven significant developments in the field of social work.

“Our theme for Women’s Month is also a fitting recognition that puts a spotlight on women leaders across various sectors. We should celebrate how women have fought hard to earn their rights, and it is important to support this cause not just in March or on Women’s Day but throughout the entire year,” he said.

To promote women’s empowerment, DSWD 7 has set up access to livelihood opportunities and reporting mechanisms for cases of violence against women and their children, along with facilities to shelter women and children victim-survivors of abuse and violence.

A trade fair in front of Cebu City Hall from March 10 to 14, 2025, features women entrepreneurs, including participants from the Sustainable Livelihood Program and products from the residents of the Home for Girls and the Regional Haven for Women. ###

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