The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) concluded the month-long celebration of the National Women’s Month on Thursday, March 27.

Spearheaded by the Protective Services Division (PSD) and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department convened its employees, partner-agencies, and program beneficiaries to mark the culmination of the celebration.

DSWD’s activities in line with the thematic celebration were anchored on this year’s theme: Babae Sa Lahat Ng Sektor, Aangat Ang Bukas Sa Bagong Pilipinas.

In his message, DSWD-9 Regional Director Riduan P. Hadjimuddin emphasized the developments seen in the endeavor to foster a society that provides equal opportunities for all genders and nurturing a more gender-sensitive and inclusive society.

“Gone are the days that women are expected only to fulfill wife and mother duties. Today, women are pillars in the society, foundations to a bright future,” he said.

The Regional Director also committed to augment the financial support to the advocacies on women in the succeeding year.

During the culminating activity, 4Ps Gender and Development Focal Leonora Barahim presented the Department’s accomplishments and activities in line with the celebration of the Women’s Month which include GAD-mapping activities, orientation on gender and development, skills-enhancement opportunities and livelihood activities for women, self-defense training, medical consultation, among others.

Starter Kits for Persons-With-Disability (PWD) were also distributed during the activity as part of the post-training support to the clients. 5 PWDs from Zamboanga City were trained on Basic Manicure and Pedicure by the Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center III (AVRC-III) of the DSWD.