Councilor seeks reconstitution of women’s council

THE 18th City Council during its regular session this week adopted a resolution requesting City Mayor Oscar  Moreno to reconstitute the Women’s Development Council of Cagayan de Oro City (WDCCC).

Councilor Edna Dahino, chair of the committee on women and family relations and proponent of the resolution, said this is pursuant to Ordinance No. 6764-99, which recognizes the role of women in nation building and ensures fundamental equality before the law of women and men. It shall provide women the rights and opportunities equal to that of men.

The WDCCC covers all barangays within the political and administrative jurisdiction of the city. It is composed of sectoral representatives properly endorsed by women and sectoral organizations duly accredited by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Cooperative Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, or the City Council.

The WDCCC is tasked to review existing legislation, policies and programs on women of the city and formulate gender-based policies, programs and strategies towards securing and advancing women’s rights and welfare.

It shall also plan, develop, implement, monitor and evaluate a comprehensive local development plan for women, facilitate the integration of women into the political, social, economic, and cultural aspects of society, pursue continuing education, training and advocacy programs towards attaining women’s economic, social and political empowerment.

The WDCCC shall also encourage and promote the formation of women’s structures within the barangay councils and in various non-government organizations and people’s organizations within the city, strengthen networking linkages among government and non-government organizations and promote active participation in governing and policy-making bodies and institute gender-based concerns. (cli)