The Negros Occidental Provincial Council for Women kicked off National Women’s Month yesterday at the Ayala Capitol Central Mall in Bacolod City alongside over 500 female leaders and advocates from across the provinces.

“I urge all local government units to promote gender responsive policies and [mandate] non-discriminatory equity measures that will enable [female] participation in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies and plans of the local government,” urged Provincial Board Member Helen Zafra, who chairs the Provincial Committee on Women and Children.

Throughout the month-long observance, localities are expected to establish a gender and development database, assess gender and development matter within their respective area, and conduct a panel discussion on expectations women have of candidates and elected officials./WDJ