BWC Honors Outstanding Women in National Women’s Month Celebration
COTABATO CITY (March 14, 2025) — The Bangsamoro Women Commission (BWC) recognized outstanding women from diverse sectors during the 2025 National Women’s Month celebration on March 10, 2025, at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC) in BGC, Cotabato City. The event, held under the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat sa Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” highlighted the contributions of women across various fields.
Hadja Bainon Karon, BWC Chairperson reaffirmed her commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusive development in the Bangsamoro through Bangsamoro Gender and Development Code (BGAD).
Karon said, “Sa pamamagitan ng masusing konsultasyon, pag-aaral, at preliminary reviews, ang inisyatibang ito ay magsisilbing legal framework na magpoprotekta at magpapalakas sa mga babaeng Bangsamoro upang matiyak ang kanilang buong partisipasyon sa governance, economic development, at social progress.”
Karon also underlined that gender justice in Bangsamoro is an ongoing process that calls for strong dedication and action rather than merely celebration.
During the celebration, women employees from different ministries, offices, and agencies (MOAs), along with representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) and other sectors, gathered to attend the occasion.
Atty. Libertine Cagang from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region 12 Assistant Director, representing on behalf of Amenah Pangandaman, Budget Secretary expressed her support for women’s empowerment.
“As a proud daughter of Mindanao, I have strived to give our beloved region a voice and to represent Muslim women at every chance I get,” Pangandaman said.
She also praised the accomplishments and dedication of Bangsamoro women across many different kinds of sectors.
Dr. Bai Hejira Nefertit Sinsuat Macalandong-Limbona, MSU Maguindanao Chancellor acknowledged the university’s efforts to establish gender-sensitive legislation.
“We aim to develop experts that will make women, youth, and men as leaders of transformation,” Limbona said.
The theme for this year, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” conveys a message of progress and hope, highlighting the need for gender equality to be enacted in real ways that improve the lives of women in every aspect of society beyond just being a policy.
The ceremony ended with a call to take action, underscoring the Bangsamoro government’s adherence to gender equality and highlighting the different capacities that women play in advancing the region. (USM BSIR OJT Student: Amera M. Basalon, BMN/ Bangsamoro Today)
