2010 Women with Disabilities Day celebration
Manila – Hundreds of WWD convened on March 25 at the SM North EDSA Sky Dome for the WWD celebration, with the theme “Babaeng Maykapansanan, Tagumpay Ka ng Bayan!”. They determined to voice out their issues and concerns to negate the notion that persons with disabilities (PWDS) are vulnerable and dependent.
The event was spearheaded by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), and supported by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and other stakeholders. Close to 100 WWD, some in their wheelchairs, started with “hataw”exercises led by Dr. Maureen Ava Mata, President of the WWD – National Capital Region. “Alyana,” a film on autism by Mirana Medina, was shown at SM Cinema 3 of The Block.
A lecture series on osteoporosis and nutrition, and an orientation on the Australian Embassy Direct Aid Program were held at the Sky Dome. Bone screening, medical consultations, and haircut services were offered for free. Handicrafts made by PWD were also showcased. Fashion show where WWD modeled clothing apparels that suit their clothing requirements highlighted the celebration.
The celebration aimed to make society realize the need for liberation from the bondage of neglecting marginalized WWD.
Aside from PCW, the event was supported by SM Program Programs on Disability Affairs, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), House of Representatives – Committee on Women and Gender Equality (HOR-CWGE), Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), House of Representatives – Committee on Social Services (HOR-CSS), Technical Education and Skills development Authority (TESDA) Women Center, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), National Youth Commission (NYC), National Anti-Poverty Commission – PWD Sector (NAPC-PWD), Katipunan ng Mga Maykapansanan sa Pilipinas, Inc. (KAMPI), PWD Federation of Valenzuela City and PWDs Advocating for Rights and Empowerment (PARE).
