Pasay City, March 5, 2025 — The 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration marked a crucial advancement in the ongoing pursuit of gender equality, with Rizal Technological University (RTU) making a significant contribution through its active participation. Held at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia, a kick-off event convened various stakeholders to engage in critical discourse on women’s empowerment. The RTU delegation, led by the Gender Studies and Development Office (GSDO), exemplified the university’s unwavering commitment to gender scholarship and transformative social engagement.
The RTU delegation, headed by GSDO Director Instr. Shereen Yanna B. Cadileña, included members of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS), namely Instr. Christian Paul T. Mendoza, ASHU Head Asst. Prof. Nida V. Alcantara, Dr. Vannessa D. Umali, Instr. Xides Leonore P. Conwi, Asst. Prof. Emmanuel T. Dayawon, and Ms. Jessavelle Ramos.
The event was organized by the Philippine Commission on Women in partnership with SM Cares, the celebration operated under the theme “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas” (Women in All Sectors, Elevating the Future of New Philippines). This thematic lens articulated a forward-looking perspective, positioning women not merely as beneficiaries of societal progress but as principal architects of inclusive development. The framework highlighted the indispensable contributions of women across various societal domains, reinforcing the vision of a more equitable and participatory society.
The event’s structure reflected a comprehensive approach to gender advocacy, integrating academic research, governmental policy imperatives, and corporate social responsibility. Keynote addresses delved into systemic vulnerabilities that disproportionately affect marginalized women, including those with disabilities. Concurrently, service booths and thematic lectures provided vital information on gender sensitivity, women’s rights, health resilience, financial literacy, and livelihood support—critical domains in empowering women to navigate socio-economic challenges.
The 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration transcended traditional commemorative practices, emerging as a dynamic platform for collaborative action. The convergence of academic, governmental, and corporate sectors fostered an inclusive discourse that amplified women’s voices and contributions. This integrated model of engagement demonstrated the potential of multi-stakeholder partnerships in addressing systemic gender inequities.
Through its active participation, RTU not only reinforced its dedication to gender equality but also contributed to the evolving landscape of gender empowerment. The university’s active role serves as an exemplar of how academic institutions can galvanize social transformation, offering valuable insights for future research, policy development, and advocacy efforts aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable society.