Every day, women are confronted of compounding problems of the society andthey struggle to be able to surpass these challenges and to make ends meet for their families to survive. With their resourcefulness and their ability to adapt in various conditions, their roles in the society have evolved and had gone beyond nurturing the families.

Over the years, their roles in the society and environment have been more evident and important especially during these times of overarching crises that we deal with. But despite this, they still remain to be marginalized. They still face discrimination and worse, they are also now being targeted by militarization as they become more active in their call for genuine solutions to the problems of the society.

Today, 8 March, is the International Women's Day Celebration and this year's celebration signals the 100th year of victory and continuing struggle of women in the society. A number of protest actions around the world are happening right now, all with the same aspiration to emancipate women and to work towards genuine development of the people.

Photo: Gabriela- National Alliance of Women's Organizations in the Philippines

Manila, Philippines - To kick off the commemoration of International Women's Day on March 8, GABRIELA led about 300 women to Mendiola to denounce the political repression, human rights violations, and violence against women perpetrated under the Arroyo government.