On March 8 every year, the United Nations (UN) celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) to commemorate the achievements of women through the years since its official recognition in 1977. UN member countries around the world hold celebrations to recognize their women achievers.

Under the theme: “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress,” the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the UN Women Philippines organized the IWD on 8 March 2024 held at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig City. There were five panel discussions on varied topics, namely: (i) Financing with Gender Perspective; (ii) Empowering Communities through Gender-Responsive Budgeting; (iii) Championing Women’s Empowerment: A Global Perspective; (iv) Bridging the Gap: Technology and Women’s Empowerment in Business; (v) and A Double-Edged Sword: Navigating the Benefits and Challenges of Technology.

The Commission on Audit (COA), represented by Assistant Commissioner Fortunata M. Rubico, Chair of the Technical Working Group of the COA Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (GFPS), participated in the second panel discussion together with the representatives from the PCW and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (DSWD).

Officials and Employees of the Commission on Audit from the Central Office wear purple during the 2024 National Women’s Month opening program after the Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, 04 March 2024.

The Commission on Audit (COA) set the tone for the National Women's Month (NWM) celebration with the formal launch held during the flag raising ceremony at the COA Central Office on 04 March 2024. With the 2023-2028 theme "WE for gender equality and inclusive society," COA is set to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women across the organization, underscoring COA's commitment to foster gender equality and inclusivity.

On behalf of Commissioner Mario G. Lipana, Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the COA Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System (GFPS), Director Roberto D. Mabagos, Jr.’s inspirational message highlighted the pivotal role of women in the Commission. Director Mabagos emphasized the need for continuous advocacy for women's rights and the importance of creating a Commission where women can thrive without barriers.

The Commission on Audit’s (COA) continuous efforts and dedication to supporting the government’s campaign of opposing gender-based violence led to the nationwide launch and membership campaign drive of the Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) COA Chapter held recently at the COA Professional and Institutional Development Sector Auditorium and simultaneously at other COA Regional Offices.

The event marked a momentous occasion in the Commission’s commitment to creating violence-free homes, workplaces, and communities. The acronym "COAMOVE" also stands for Complete dedication, Open-mindedness, Altruism, Moral probity, Optimism, Volunteerism, and Equality. These are the foundations and core values of the gentlemen of COA MOVE Chapter.

The Commission on Audit (COA) Committee on Protection of Women and Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere (MOVE) COA Central Office Chapter, both of the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS), conducted a webinar via Cisco Webex on Republic Act (RA) No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law) on 09 December 2022 as part of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW). There were 273 participants from the COA Central and Regional Offices.

Atty. Princess L. Ramirez, Acting Division Chief of the Prosecution and Litigation Division, Prosecution and Litigation Office, Legal Services Sector, served as the resource speaker for the webinar. She was introduced by Director Fidela M. Tan of the IAO.

Atty. Ramirez gave an overview of laws pertaining to women’s rights and discussed the salient features of RA No. 11313, with particular focus on the prohibited acts and corresponding penalties, responsibilities of the employer and employees, and remedies of offended parties. She also shared decisions of the Supreme Court illustrating the crime of sexual harassment.