A relevant and nagging information struck me while I was surfing online over the weekend. Seventy percent of the about 1.3 billion people living in conditions of poverty are women and, in urban areas, 40 percent of the poorest households are headed by women.
The global facts I read reminded me of the countless women I have encountered in my personal life and in the Service-Learning advocacies I pursued in various parts of Negros through the years.
One of these women is Marilou, a widow and a mother of six who has struggled from day to day washing clothes and doing odd jobs to feed her family in an island community in northern Negros.
There was also Tya Leona, who walked almost 6 kms. weekly to and from my childhood home to pick up and deliver the family laundry.
She walked partly on rugged paths and rice paddies, her heavy load placed on her head.
Both women made sure that their children attend school “so that they can have a better future.”
There is also Nanay Trining, who lives on the coastal fringes of the city.
Like Marilou and Leona, Nanay Trining works as a laundry woman for several families in the nearby barangay.
Still able to do her washing chores at 82, she has been doing the laundry after she gave birth to the eldest of her three sons.
Asked how long she has been washing clothes, she replied, “it has been 44 years.” That long, she said, admitting that time has flown fast.
Perhaps, I would have been doing other jobs, if had the opportunity to study beyond mid-high school, added Nanay Trining, who is now a grandmother of nine.
“I have been advising my grandchildren to take their studies seriously so that they can become professionals and improve their lot in life,” she further said.
At present, all she can hope for is to weather her trials and overcome her grief after losing her husband late in January due to liver tumor.
And, she added, I pray for a more peaceful and healthy life.
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The facts about the high rate of women living in conditions of poverty were shared by the United Nations to highlight the observance of International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 8.
IWD aims not only to highlight and honor the achievements of women in various fields of endeavor particularly in economic, social and political life but also addresses awareness or equality and access to education, among others.
The celebration this year focuses on the theme, “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”.
Another focus this week’s observance is “Break the Bias” which calls to the forging of collective efforts toward the full development of women.
UN added the following facts underscoring the gaps related to the role of women in global issues:
– Fifty to 80 percent of women are predominant in agricultural production yet they own only 10 percent of the land.
– 80 percent of those displaced by climate-related disasters and changes around the world are women and girls.
– Climate change may lead to more gender-based violence, increase in child marriages and worsening sexual and reproductive health.
Another significant fact was shared by the National Commission on Women: Since the pandemic started, at least 24,000 cases of domestic violence, including rape cases, have been reported in the country.
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In Negros Occidental and the rest of the country, activities will be held throughout March as the occasion is marked as National Women’s Month.
On top of the preparations is women’s rights advocate Marie June Pavillar-Castro, action officer of the Provincial Gender and Development Focal Point System, and a Negros Weekly columnist.
I have kept tab of Marie June’s passion on promoting women’s rights since I recommended her to do college internship with the Canadian International Development Authority – Negros Rehabilitation Development Fund more than three decades ago.
As her mentor, I have been privileged as part of her growth as a campus writer, a media student, a youth and community leader and an NGO worker advocating women empowerment concerns.
I also remember suggesting her name to be part of a slate for the Silay City Sanggunian, a position she was elected to for three consecutive terms, which also helped open doors for her in the national and international platforms of gender and development agenda.
I salute Marie June, her co-leaders and colleagues for advancing the cause of women, like Marilou, Leona and Trining, and their liberation from the bondage of poverty, ignorance and want toward empowerment, self-sufficiency and productivity as members of the society.
A toast to the women of the world!
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Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord, she is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30) – NWI
