Celebrate Rural Women and World Food Day at “Women’s Market sa Q.C. Hall”



“What really excites me is seeing women gain economic independence and empower other women by creating income opportunities. Women’s economic empowerment is a crucial part of the country’s economic growth,” Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Chairperson Remedios Ignacio-Rikken said at the opening of the “Women’s Market sa Q.C Hall” today.

The Market, which forms part of the celebration of October 15 as International Day of Rural Women and October 16 as World Food Day, sells raw and naturally-processed agricultural products from all over the country. It also offers affordable products for health-conscious individuals. Rikken reiterated PCW’s support to the Market’s objective to promote community enterprises managed by rural women who are “important players” in ensuring food security. “We would like to help build partnerships among women micro-entrepreneurs so, collectively, they can strengthen the local economy,” Rikken said.



Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK) Secretary General Daryl Leyesa seconded Rikken’s statement and said that they believe in strengthening local economies. “Employment in jobs offered by foreign companies helps but sustainable economic growth comes from economic empowerment of communities, with women playing a crucial role,” Leyesa said.

The market includes other activities open to the public:

  • Pinay Food Safe Fest” featuring traditional rice varieties grown and developed by farmers (rice-based delicacies/breakfast will be served);
  • Public forum on Local Economy and Women’s Market;
  • • Launching of a book on women and mining;
  • Public forum on freedom of information;
  • Demonstration on cooking brown rice the healthy and tasty way; and
  • Product demonstration on fish dimsum and bags made from corn husk.

PKKK along with the Quezon City government, Oxfam International and Southeast Asia Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment (SEARICE) organized the 3-day activity. Everyone is invited to come to the women’s market, which runs from October 16 to 18, 2012.