PCW and NCDA Amplify the Voices and Economic Power of Women with Disabilities

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) stood in solidarity with the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) in launching the project, Women with Disabilities: Economic Power, Stories of Strength on March 28, 2025. Held as part of the Women with Disabilities Day activities, this initiative will highlight the resilience and achievements of women with disabilities, emphasizing their contributions to various sectors and advocating for more inclusive policies.

^{Women with disabilities, NCDA officials, guests, and advocates pose with the NCDA hand symbol at the launch of Women with Disabilities: Economic Power, Stories of Strength.}

During the launch, NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova underscored the importance of amplifying the voices of women with disabilities and recognizing their perseverance.

^{NCDA Executive Director Glenda Relova, in her welcome remarks, highlights the initiative’s role in amplifying the voices of women with disabilities who have excelled despite limited recognition.}

“These initiatives are a powerful platform that not only amplifies the voices of women with disabilities but also recognizes their resilience, perseverance and triumphs over everyday struggles. These stories remind us that strength is not measured by the challenges we face but by how we rise above them,” she said.

Calling for collective action, DSWD Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna stressed that empowering women with disabilities requires a shared responsibility.

^{DSWD Assistant Secretary Elaine Fallarcuna reaffirms the Department’s commitment to empowering women with disabilities through access to essential tools and opportunities in her keynote speech.}

“While the DSWD is steadfast in fulfilling its mandate to empower women with disabilities, it is not the sole responsibility of one department or agency or sector. It requires collective action. This responsibility calls on each of us – as family members, community leaders, employers, fellow citizens, non-government organizations or civil society – to play an active role in removing barriers and creating opportunities for our women with disabilities,” she stated.

Highlighting the inspiring journeys of women with disabilities, PCW OIC Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar emphasized that talent and perseverance transcend disability. She cited the remarkable stories of Maria Criselda Bisda and Adeline “Adz” Dumapong

^{PCW OIC Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar, in her message of support, highlights that these stories prove women’s capabilities beyond disability, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies and systems.}

“Both of them exemplify the strength, perseverance, and talent that women with disabilities bring to the world. As we celebrate this day, the launch of this project, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women with disabilities and ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive. Ang mga kwento at tagumpay ng mga babaeng may kapansanan ay nagsisilbing patunay na may mga pagkakataon para sa lahat. Ito rin ay nagbibigay ng mas malalim na pang-unawa sa kung paano natin dapat silang tanggapin at isama sa mga pangunahing diskurso at proseso,” she said.

NCDA’s Chief of Information, Education, and Communications Division, Dr. Mark Anthony Inocencio, introduced the digital initiative, outlining its goals, timeline, and expected impact. The event also featured an audiovisual presentation of selected narratives, showcasing the inspiring journeys of a Paralympic powerlifter and the first Filipina Paralympic medalist, a deaf content creator and entrepreneur, and employees of an organization dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities.

^{Audiovisual presentation featuring selected narratives of inspiring Filipino women with disabilities.}

The project will unfold through a series of key activities, starting with the Nationwide Call for Stories. In collaboration with Persons with Disabilities Affairs Offices (PDAOs) of Local Government Units (LGUs) across the Philippines, this initiative will identify and document the inspiring journeys of women with disabilities—entrepreneurs, workers, and community leaders who have overcome challenges and made meaningful contributions. Selected stories will be professionally produced into videos, showcasing their resilience and impact on society.

The event concluded with the signing of a pledge of support and commitment to advocate for inclusive policies and amplify the voices of women with disabilities by sharing their stories, promoting awareness, and fostering opportunities for empowerment. Representatives from NCDA, DSWD, PCW, PDAO QC, PSC, and other invited guests took part in this collective commitment.

^{Digital signages displaying pledges of support and commitment from guests and NCDA officials for the project.}

Anchored to the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) sub-theme, Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas, this year’s Women with Disabilities Day carries the theme Babaeng Maykapansanan, Katuwang sa Pag-angat sa Bagong Pilipinas, underscoring the vital role of women with disabilities in shaping an inclusive and progressive society for all.

^{All photos credited to the National Council on Disability Affairs.}