CHR starts National Women's Month celebration this March
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) kicked off the observance of National Women's Month this March by holding the 10th Purple Action Day celebration and raising awareness on the struggles of marginalized women and girls on Monday, March 3.
This year’s theme of CHR's celebration is called "Pagninilay at Patuloy na Pagtataguyod ng Karapatang Pantao ng mga Kababaihan: 10th Purple Action Day and Forum on BPfA+30."
The CHR said that this year's theme highlights 30 years since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA+30), which was a landmark document that advances women's rights and gender equality worldwide.
The BPfA+30 also holds the State into account for its obligations to respect, protect, promote and fulfil all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to development, for all women and girls.
Amidst the sweltering heat, human rights advocates participated in the Purple Action March and listened to solidarity messages from Commissioner Faydah M. Dumarpa, SARILAYA Founder Ana Maria “Princess” Nemenzo, Gabriela Chairperson Gertrudes Libang, and former CHR Commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit at the CHR Liwasang Diokno, Quezon City (Central Office).
They also conducted an art workshop and held a Purple Bazaar that showcased women-led enterprises and advocacy materials for Women’s Human Rights.
The CHR said the 10th Purple Action Day is a call for action so that women and girls can enjoy equal rights, power, and opportunities. It is observed to "reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities," it also said.
"The Purple Action Day will continue to serve as a crucial platform to amplify the voices and concerns of women, especially the marginalized, and to call for the full implementation of commitments under the Beijing Platform for Action," it added.