The D Spot

March is International Women’s Month, and 8 March is International Women’s Day.

Celebrated on 8 March, IWD is the global day–a day of celebration, connecting all women around the world and inspiring them to achieve their full potential, a day to celebrate the collective power of women past, present and future.

In the Philippines, a lot of activities have been lined up by the various women’s group and the local government units. One of them is the seminar-consultation in preparation of the 1st International Seminar and Partnership Consultatation on Gender Justice and Sustainable Development. Vibal Foundation, through WikiPilipinas.org and Filipiniana.net, has been tasked to discuss Empowering Women Through the Internet. Part of today’s program was the launching of Filipino Women Internet Portals: WikiPilipinas.org’s Encyclopedia and Philippine Women.

Being partners with Vibal Foundation, through WikiPilipinas.org and Filipiniana.net, Noemi and I were invited to talk on Uplifting the Image of the Filipina through The Filipina Images, the advocacy that Noemi (Noemi Lardizabal-Dado), Lorna Lardizabal-Dietz, and myself (Dine Racoma) set up in July 2007.

The night before, while preparing our speech or talk, Noemi and I ageed to come in formal wear, suitable for a late morning program at the Manila Hotel.

Our audience comprised local women leaders, and a sprinkling of a few men, from different local government units nationwide such as mayors, vice-mayors, vice-governors, Board members, etc. Business suit seemed like a suitable attire for this event and not our casual “blogger” wear during blogger or new media events. How Noemi and I almost laughed out loud when Rio, Tin and the rest of the staff of Vibal almost did not recognize me–without my signature sleeveless tops, skinny jeans or mini skirt, the comfy clothes used for blogger events, products launches, cocktails or whatever. Oh, well, for a change.

(photo courtesy of Noemi, thanks)

Tin Mandigma’s discussion on Empowering Women Through the Internet was very interesting and had an impact even to the non-users internet. Noemi and I took turns on use of how technology is used in Uplifting the Image of the Filipina (via FilipinaImages.com) through blogging and being part of a collaborative effort of all the bloggers who believe that The Filipina of the Future deserves a more empowered, diverse image online. They also got a chance to learn how to use the WikiPilipinas.Org site. Noemi has posted her speech here. Mine is here.

Related Posts

• Different Plagiarism Checkers Available Online
• Internet Concerns and Action Points--a timely reminder to all students, parents, schools, etc.
• Nicanor Perlas--Championing alternative politics for a better Philippines
• My Top 10 Viral Videos in 2009
• Blog Action Day '09 Climate Change: There is HOPE...if only
• A(H1N1) flu virus--will it make us less physical and intimate with those that we love?
• Blogging 101 (a basic introduction)