Santa Maria Water District (SMWD) proudly celebrated National Women’s Month on March 7, 2025, in alignment with the 2023-2028 recurring theme, “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society.” This annual observance serves as both a call to action and a way to reaffirm the commitment to gender equality and inclusivity. This year, the celebration carried the sub-theme: “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” highlight the mission of empowering women and promoting gender equality.

To kick-off the celebration, SMWD employees are encouraged to wear any purple maybe shirt or accessories on March 7, 2025. Additionally, the official streamer for this year celebration was displayed at the front of the SMWD Building to signify the district’s active participation in the national campaign. The soft copy of the official streamer was also posted on SMWD’s Facebook page and website, ensuring the celebration reached a wider audience, including the community it serves.

As part of the activities, SMWD employees from different division and sections gathered in the grounds and parking area to take group photos, proudly representing their respective teams. This activity fostered camaraderie and unity among employees while also serving as a visual demonstration of SMWD’s support for gender-related advocacies.

These photos not only captured the essence of the celebration but also reinforced the importance of standing together in the pursuit of a gender-equal society.

Later that day, a lively Zumba session was held at the SMWD Building’s roof deck as part of the GAD Committee’s ongoing efforts to promote health and wellness. This activity emphasized the importance of physical well-being, self-care, and stress relief, reinforcing that empowerment also involves encouraging women to prioritize their overall well-being.

On the other hand, informative videos regarding the National Women’s Month were flashed on digital bulletin SMWD Building throughout the month of March, alongside with informative videos from Philippine Commission on Women regarding catcalling to draw attention that catcalling is a form of harassment.

To further support gender advocacy, every Monday throughout March, SMWD played special version of the Philippine National Anthem, which was created by the Philippine Commission on Women. This unique version featured a theme of empowerment, accompanied by visuals of remarkable women in Philippine history who have made significant contributions to society. By incorporating this into the weekly routine, SMWD reinforced the message that women’s achievements should be recognized and celebrated.

We also showcased the remarkable women leaders of SMWD in our post in our official Facebook page, highlighting the SMWD Board of Directors, which is composed entirely of women, as well as Department and Division Managers, who are also all female. Additionally, we featured also the SMWD Gender and Development Focal Point System, a group actively advocating for gender equality and inclusivity within the Santa Maria Water District. Their efforts play a crucial role in fostering a work environment that upholds equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender.