The Provincial Commission on Women (PCW) is organizing a rural women’s congress in observance of the International Day of Rural Women on October 28, 8:00 a.m. at the Spanish Heritage in Dumaguete City.

 

Assistant Provincial Administrator and Gender and Development (GAD) focal person Josefina Columna said about 200 women leaders from different local government units (LGUs) in the province are invited to participate in the congress.

The one-day event will focus on the theme “The Empowerment of Rural Women and their Role in Poverty and Hunger Eradication, Development and Current Challenges.”

 

Columna said the activity recognizes the critical role and contribution of rural women in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.

 

Participants come from the Rural Improvement Councils (RICs), local council for women, barangay health workers, barangays population officers, Kalipi members, non-government organizations involve in women development, among others.

 

The women leaders are expected to prepare an action plan during the congress and share the highlights of their achievements in any contribution for the development of their groups as well as the community.

 

The PCW also expected to include in its program the free medical checks up which include pap smear and other reproductive health care services. It is said that pap smear is important for women aged 40 and above. (PIA/JCT)