I am Generation Equality: Nicomaine Dei “Maine” Mendoza, Filipino actor and supporter of women workers’ rights

Author: Maine Mendoza

Maine Mendoza tells us all to stop violence against women in this publicity shoot on March 2020. Photo: Courtesy of All Access to Artists (AAA)

Three actions you can take to be part of Generation Equality:

• Always stay informed about the latest issues and how they impact women, men and other gender identities, so you can form an educated opinions on these issues.
• Share credible information among social and community networks, to influence them to also take part in the advocacy and create a movement of young gender activists.
• Inspire others to join the cause by enthusiastically campaigning for women’s rights.

I am Generation Equality because…

As a public figure, I feel it is both my responsibility and privilege to speak about women’s rights and issues.

Safe and Fair Philippines (a UN Women project) gave me the opportunity to use my fame to support women migrant workers as the Babaeng BiyaHero Celebrity Champion. With this campaign, I am able to utilize my social media reach and influence by sharing relevant and credible information that can aid women OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) have a safe and fair migration experience.

Help women cope with COVID risks

I think we can all agree that the pandemic is the most urgent issue of our time. This is not only a health issue but also a social issue.

Besides the lockdown, job displacement, lack of attention to women-focused health services (reproductive health, obstetric care, etc.), and increase in the risk of violence against women, women also have to contend with an increase in the care/domestic burden both at home and in the workplace. Most of these already exist before COVID but have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

“Equality can only
be achieved if
all gender identities
work towards
equal relations. ”

We have to lobby for gender-responsive COVID protocols and programmes, to ensure that these risks are addressed. Women should be part of the planning process so that it is guaranteed that their concerns are given weight during planning and implementation.

Keep yourself and others informed

We all have our little spaces of influence -- at home, among our colleagues at school, our friends, neighbourhood and community, and on a wider level, social media. Young people should always read up on current issues to raise their awareness and form informed opinions on these issues and try to share this knowledge within their network, so that others may also form informed opinions, and hopefully advocate for addressing these issues.

Equality can only be achieved if all gender identities work towards equal relations. Men should support their female partners, female relatives, and other women in the community. Men in high ranks must actively advocate for more equal representation in government and other decision-making bodies. Men must also take part in creating and expanding spaces of participation for women so that their voices are heard louder and better.