Over 300 women from Tacloban City have gathered at RTR Plaza for #YEDDANCE Zumba, an International Women’s Day event organized by the Tingog party-list to promote health, empowerment and gender equality.
The event brought together women from all walks of life — from senior citizens to community leaders and even pregnant women eager to learn more about women’s health — reflecting the broad impact of women’s issues and the need for inclusive advocacy.
The celebration featured an energetic Zumba session, health talks on women’s wellness, and discussions on key challenges that women continue to face.
The event emphasized how grassroots initiatives work alongside policies to uplift and protect women, reinforcing the need for sustained action in advancing gender equality.
It was noted that despite progress, many Filipino women still face barriers to economic security, workplace protections, and safety from violence.
In response, the Tingog party-list championed key legislative measures aimed at securing women’s rights, such as the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law (Republic Act 11210) providing working mothers with extended time to care for their newborns; Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313) strengthening protections against harassment in public, digital and professional spaces, and Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act (RA 11861) ensuring additional support for solo mothers and their families.
The party-list continues to push for measures that enhance protection and expand opportunities for women, such as House Bill No. 5740 seeking to increase the recruitment quota for women in law enforcement, creating more opportunities for female officers in the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology; and proposed National Sex Offender Registry (House Bill No. 2714) aiming to strengthen community safety by tracking repeat offenders of sexual violence.
Moreover, the Infant-Friendly Facilities Act (House Bill No. 1950) seeks to mandate child-friendly spaces in public and government establishments, ensuring better support for working mothers.
“Women’s strength has always driven progress, but barriers to gender equality remain. From workplace discrimination to safety concerns, the fight is far from over,” Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre said.
“Through legislation and community action, we must continue advocating for policies that uplift and protect women, guided by the leadership of Rep. Yedda Romualdez, who has long been at the forefront of this cause,” he added.
Rep. Yedda Romualdez stressed that advancing gender equality requires both policy reforms and tangible support at all levels of society.
“Every woman carries within her the power to transform lives — through her work, her sacrifices, and her unwavering spirit. This Women’s Month, we must continue building a society where every Filipina is free to pursue her dreams, secure in her rights, and supported in her aspirations,” Romualdez said.
“The fight for gender equality is not just about policies — it is about ensuring that every woman, in every role she plays, is seen, heard and empowered,” she added.
As the country observes Women’s Month, the success of #YEDDANCE Zumba highlights the impact of community-driven initiatives in advancing gender equality, she said.
She also said while the celebrations provided an opportunity to recognize progress, they also served as a reminder of the work still needed to ensure a society that fully protects and empowers women.
