Video File 1: Iligan City celebrates International Women's Day celebration 2015

Iligan City (March 8, 2015) - In the observance of the International Women’s Day (IWD) was a result of the organizing activities of women in the early 20^th century. Between 1090 and 1911, working women in United States participated in organizing strike activities of the National Women’s Trade Union League and other concerned groups. They were responding to the low wages, lack of protective legislation and the poor working conditions to which women workers were subjected during that time.

The demonstrations were an offshoot of the tragic March 25 triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City, which took the lives of more than 140 working girls, mostly Italian and jewish immigrants. Subsequently, the inhumane working conditions and unfair labor practices leading up to the disaster were invoked during observances of IWD.

Ms. Nitz Sescon

In Europe, Clara Zetkin and the Socialist Women’s International demanded that March 8^th be the International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated each year to recognize working women around the world. The celebration of IWD has since stimulated major historical events. For instance, IWD was the inspiration for the general strike which the Russian revolution in St. Petersburg in 1917 when 10,000 women textile workers demonstrated. It is due to such history of women organizing around the world that IWD was officially recognized by the United nations to celebrate women’s contributions to all societies.

Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988 declaring the first week of March each year as Women’s Week and march 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day; Proclamation NO. 227 s. 1988 providing for the observance of the Month of March as Women’s Role in History Month; and Republic Act (RA) 6949 s. 1990 declaring march 8 of every year as the national Women’s Day.


The theme for celebration’s International theme is “Make it Happen”, while the National theme is “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng bawat isa, Ikaw na!” One Billion Rising Dances are “Break the Chain” and “Isang Bilyong Babae ang Babangon”

Iligan City Mayor Celso G. Regencia

Thousands of women participated in Iligan City activities started with a Fun Walk at 5:30 A.M. , assembled at the Iligan City National High School grounds and ended at the city public plaza with a short program. Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia was the guest speaker during the celebration. There were 11 barangay chairmen present during the event including city councilor Michelle Sweet. Regencia said that the women should deserve protection in his administration from domestic violence.

Ms. Nitz Sescon, coordinator of the Mindanao Commission on Women and the Officer-in-charge of the Women Affairs office of the Iligan City government, emphasized the national theme, “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng bawat isa, Ikaw na!”, she recanted the saying, “in every success and failure of a man there a woman behind”, is not true and unacceptable. She said every individual has failures and success in life. She said in making decisions women should be part of it, especially in governance from the local to national leaderships women should be inclusive..

At Left, Jane Bernardo, Partido Manggagawa

Sescon also stressed the International theme, “Make it Happen”. She said, “There should be changed to happen and start within ourselves." She said women seek equality among the men, equal opportunities and equal status including justice for those victims from abuse. Sescon said that the reproductive rights should be protected that a woman will carry pregnancy not against her will. She said women should also have the opportunity to lead. There must be mutual respect, no discrimination and social exclusion because women is part and represents half of the society. Sescon also emphasized the peace for Mindanao and the women shouted “Kalinaw sa Mindanao!”