Boxing Champion Manny Pacquiao's banner cry of "Laban
Natin 'to!" (Our FightQ!) is echoed by the Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan
sa Kanayunan (PKKK) as they prepare for the commemoration of World Rural Women's Day on October 15, 2007.
The observation of Rural Women's Day provides an opportunity
for the rural women to be recognized for their contribution to the country's
food producing sectors.
Much like preparing for a momentous boxing match, the rural
women are also struggling hard to muster and strengthen their ranks. And they have much to do for in the initial "weigh-in,"
the figures are dismal. Rural women number less than 1/2 of those who
exercise control over land and water resources, less than 1/3 of beneficiaries
of agri-fishery support services, and definitely less than 1/4 of those who
decide upon which rural development programs to pursue.
"Tinimbang kami pero
kulang. Ang hindi batid ng marami, kung wala ang kababaihan sa kanayunan, gutom
ang aabutin hindi lamang ng aming mga pamilya, kundi pati buong bansa," laments Ka Trining Domingo, a
farmer-leader from Nueva Ecija and currently the President of the PKKK, (a
coalition of around 200 rural women organizations).
Since its inception in 2003, the PKKK has been challenging
government and development stakeholders to concretize their avowed recognition of
rural women. The ultimate measure would be
the implementation of policies and programs that national and local agencies are
willing to commit on Rural Women's Day.
Last September 12, the DILG issued Memorandum Circular
2007-116 which encouraged local government units (LGUs) and local agencies to
observe Rural Women's Day under the theme: "Palakasin, Boses ng Kababaihan sa
Kanayunan: Tugon sa Kaunlaran, Tutol sa Karahasan!"
The PKKK proposed the
aforementioned theme, which is also the banner call for its 3rd National Rural Women's Congress. This
congress will be held from 14-15 October 2007, at the Maria Antonia Paris
Retreat House, Claretian Seminary Compound, #48 A Cenacle Drive, Sanville, Culiat,
Quezon City.
Around 100 rural women leaders from 35 provinces will be
attending the congress, and will dialogue with officials from the Departments
of Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources (BFAR). The event will be launched in cooperation with the National
Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW).
The aforementioned theme reflects the United Nations Concluding
Comments on the Status of Implementing the Convention on the Elimination of all
forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in the
Philippines. In September 2006, the UN Concluding Comments
called for the acceleration of women's equal participation in political and
public life (par.24) and for special
attention to the needs of rural women, indigenous women and Muslim women (in
ARMM areas). If pursued, this measure would enable rural women access to health
care, social security, education, clean water and sanitation services, fertile
land, income-generation opportunities and participation in decision-making
processes (par.30).
