We JUANA Have

The first International Women’s Day was conducted and celebrated on March 19, 1911 wherein it was participated not only by women but also millions of men. 

In the Philippines, the Women's Month Celebration is celebrated every month of March to highlight various women's achievements. Additionally, its purpose aim to initiate opportunities and to discuss women empowerment and gender equality issues and concerns that are highly relevant and relatable up to these days.

This year’s campaign is different from the previous year's as we are still facing yet another wave of this COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s celebration was done virtually as the government limits face-to-face interactions and as well as mass gatherings, especially now that the number of positive patients or cases continues to grow up and escalate. This lead and paved us a way to introduce and launch an online advocacy that provides a daily dose of inspirational quotes from Filipino women which is  symbolized as "JUANA" . This featured Juana, who thrived despite the circumstances and weaknesses that they have experienced. This program was participated by netizens wherein they share each other's inspiring and touching stories on how they are able to hurdle, handle, and overcome the challenges during the pandemic; most importantly on how they are able to survive and remain hopeful up to these days. Hence, this platform open the door of opportunities to empower other Juana's to remain hopeful and strong during this pandemic as they showcase the different roles that women play to help not just limited to their respective communities but the whole nation afloat amidst these hard times. 

To sum up everything that has been stated so far, through Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya! Online Forum Series and other activities, Juana had the courage to discuss every women’s experiences in dealing with the pandemic. They leave meaningful insights, messages and also lessons to educate and inspire other Juanas. Here, they served as voices, screaming loudly and proudly, enumerating and shouting every women’s contributions that made a huge impact to the nation especially in addressing the pandemic. Most importantly, this forum is used to end the disproportionate burden that they carry. It is time to dig deeper the understanding of all people regarding the different gender issues that emerged or became more felt during the health crisis. Because I do also believe that "Basta si Juana, ano pa man yan, kayang-kaya!"

References:

https://www.deped.gov.ph/2017/03/31/womens-month/

https://pcw.gov.ph/2021-national-womens-month/

https://www.lovehappensmag.com/blog/2019/03/06/women-empowerment-quotes-2/