The National Women’s Month Celebration every March is part of the worldwide observance of the International Women’s Day (IWD).

Then President Corazon C. Aquino, through Proclamation No. 224, declared the first week of March each year as Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day.

This year’s theme is “We Make Change Work for Women” signifies on the Magna Carta meaning “Make”.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), directed “all agencies, oversight bodies and local government units down to the barangay level to fully implement the Magna Carta of Women."

The directive of the President ENSURES that man and woman will be partners in the pursuit of the country’s economic, social, cultural and political developments.

This pursuit of development under the Duterte administration is also anchored on the commitment of “Malasakit at Pagbabago” (True Compassion and Real Change).

Thus, the first National Women’s Month Celebration under the leadership of President Duterte FOCUSED on these key foundations: partnership for change and full implementation of the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710), captured through the theme: "WE Make Change Work for Women."

Rudilyn C. Horca, CMC Community Relations Supervisor, formally opened the program with words of encouragement to all women of CMC and its host and neighboring communities.

She emphasized that women shall be empowered and shall make change for the better.

"Women should be an instrument of change, so it is just necessary that they should be empowered," said Horca.

CMC has paved the way to the “Women in Mining” (WIM) by implementing an enhancement program to improve skills of the women in the company.

Women in Mining (WIM) is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that aims to empower WIM of CMC in promoting Gender and Development and further achieve the sustainable development goals as such gender equality.

As to gender equality, women will be empowered and can be independent in their own capabilities and can do the same with what man does.

Part of this year’s plan is to implement TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) training on Heavy Equipment Operators to all women in Barangay Valencia.

There will also be awareness on the Cervical and Breast Cancer to all women of the four barangays as well as to the employees.

It is important to educate women to prevent serious diseases and perform proper hygiene.

CMC women in mining has also reach out program every end of the quarter like gift-giving to the children in the remote areas and even in the orphanage. It is not just a tradition but heartily service to those who are in need of help.