In an important gathering aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality, the National Commission on Women and Politics (NCWP) and the Philippine Muslim Women’s Council (PMWC) visited Mindanao State University (MSU) General Santos for a consultative dialogue with the academe on August 30, 2023, MSU-General Santos campus Peace park.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by Chancellor JD Usman D. Aragasi, MPA, who stressed the university’s commitment to fostering partnerships that promote gender equality. In his opening remarks, Chancellor Aragasi emphasized MSU-General Santos’s dedication to promoting women’s empowerment and its willingness to collaborate with organizations like NCWP and PMWC.

Following the welcome address, Honorable Bai Norhata Alonto, President of PMWC, elucidated the program and activities of the consultation. Alonto delved into the historical context of NCWP and its role in advocating for women’s rights. She also emphasized the goal of the organization, which is to empower Muslim women and for their voice to be heard. The organization’s efforts in collaborating with local government units on projects aimed at women’s development was also mentioned.

Alonto remarked, “The NCWP should be the representative of women’s organizations, as it’s the only women’s organization recognized by the national government. It was instrumental in creating the Philippine Commission on Women, giving birth to it. And I’m delighted to say that the face of NCWP here in Mindanao is PMWC.”

Concluding consultative dialogue, Honorable Exec. Judge Wenida Papandayan, who brought into focus the significance of the consultative dialogue praised the active engagement of MSU-General Santos and expressed optimism regarding ongoing collaborations between academia and women’s organizations. She noted that such partnerships are pivotal in driving positive change towards gender equality and women’s empowerment.