In the midst of a humanitarian crisis, women and children are disproportionately affected. Crises exacerbate their vulnerability, expose them to violence, and limit their access to education, livelihoods, and healthcare. It is against this background that the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is working to intensify and strengthen its Protection, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI) actions to address violence, discrimination, and exclusion in the context of humanitarian aid. 

Today, the PRC joins the world in celebrating Women’s Month on the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” of the United Nations to show appreciation to all the women contributors of the PRC who helped bridge the gender gap and provide inclusive and sustainable assistance for all.

Women make up a significant portion of the organization’s workforce. The PRC has women volunteers, staff, and leaders in its emergency and disaster response, ambulance teams, and health services. One of PRC’s leaders is its current Secretary-General, Dr. Gwen Pang, who is also behind the Women’s Action for Gender and Inclusion (WAGI), a community savings group that allows women of all ages and backgrounds, especially in marginalized areas, to incorporate a culture of saving in their communities, thereby empowering them and bringing economic security closer to them. 

Also among the influential women of the PRC are the late Mrs. Amelia Gordon, Mrs. Kate Gordon, Rosa Rosal, PRC Vice Chairman Corazon Alma De Leon, PRC Counselor Atty. Lorna Patajo Kapunan, PRC Assistant Treasurer Leonida “Baby” Ortiz, and PRC Governor Jenni Munar.  

“We invest in women. They are among those who step up and keep their families strong in the midst of disaster or armed conflict. We are committed to providing assistance and enhancing lifesaving skills for women, teens, elders, mothers, and the LGBTQ community,” said Dr. Pang.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all the women of the PRC: “Behind every successful project or activity of the PRC stands a woman. The women of the PRC have dedicated themselves to ensuring that the voice of women is heard and represented in every dialogue and every step of planning, designing, implementing, and evaluating the processes of the PRC’s humanitarian agenda.”

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