CEBU CITY – The “Samahan ng mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran” (SPARK) launched its #inFAIRness advocacy campaign in Cebu which is aimed at breaking stereotypes and challenge assumptions towards gender equality.
SPARK trustee Maria Isabel Quimson said the campaign also seeks to normalize the role of men at home and recognize the importance of women’s economic role. “Some women are unpaid for rigorous work they do. It is very disheartening when you realize the burdens on women’s backs on top of having to cook for their families and tend to their children. We believe that the way to achieve gender equality is by normalizing the role of women in the workplace and the role of men at home,” Quimson said.
She urged everyone to acknowledge the importance of gender equality. “We won’t be able to achieve this gender equality without the help our men, our husbands, male government officials, and men everywhere in the community. So, please help us with our advocacy,” Quimson said. The nationwide #inFAIRNESS movement, which was first launched at the Senate of the Philippines last August 15, is supported by “Investing in Women,” an initiative of the Australian Government.
The regional launch in Cebu was held in partnership with the Cebu City government and attended by local government officials, women’s organizations, transport groups, and other stakeholders. Quimson said the campaign will utilize both the traditional and technological means to gather attention including posting of information in public offices, posting of stickers in public utility vehicles, and creating an online community on social media. The campaign will also be launched in other parts of the country in the following months to come. (Luel Galarpe)
20
