Women's Market now in Davao

By Frances Mae Gevera-Macapagat

DAVAO CITY, March 8 (PIA) – Women farmers and producers opened the Women's Market earlier today at NCCC Mall Davao as their way of making a statement that they too are major force in food production. 

In time for the celebration of the 102nd International Women's Day, this activity gathered women from different provinces in the region to showcase and sell their produce to the buyers.

This is an opportunity for women to get recognized in their role on food production.

Organizer from Oxfam, Jessan Catre, said this is the first time that this project is brought down to Davao after holding it in Manila.

Products that range from fresh fruits and vegetables to home-made peanut butter and chili sauce are but some of the products that buyers can purchase from the Women's Market.

To join the women participants in this two-day event are Oxfam ambassadors Cherry Pie Picache and Ping Medina.

"These women will not just sell their produce but also their ideas to urge the government to put in more support to women especially that they contribute well in the aspect of food production in this country," said Catre.

As a result in the regular consultation of Oxfam on Mindanao women, it was learned that women in Mindanao are at a more disadvantage than women in other areas in the Philippines.

This is due to the war conflicts that are experienced in some areas of Mindanao.

Also part in the two-day celebration intended for women is an exhibit titled "Saganang Amin". It will showcase different portraits of women food producers from the different parts of the country.

While shoppers check out the produce in the Women's Market, organizers also scheduled series of skill sharing sessions on vermiculture, halal and native delicacies preparation, as well as a forum that will teach farmers engage the market and government programs. (PIA-11/Frances Mae Gevera-Macapagat)