Several women in Negros Occidental are set to stage a march protest in major streets of Bacolod City today, denouncing all forms of violence committed against women, in commemoration of the International Women's Day celebration.

Instead of marching in the streets, the Laban ng Masa Women will kick off from the Provincial Capitol Lagoon, proceed to the front of the Fountain of Justice in Bacolod City Hall at about 6 a.m. today and will jog and dance in the street on the way.

Ma. Theresa Lozada, chairperson of Akbayan Negros Women said in a press conference at the Negros Media Center yesterday, they encourage the public to join in their struggle against poverty, abuses and violence committed against women. Lozada said they also call on men to work with women to develop a relationship founded on equity and respect to develop a free, just, democratic and peaceful community.

Inday Goco, Partido ng Mangagawa Women said they will join in a prayer rally initiated by the church in the Bacolod public plaza this afternoon. Maria Sol Gerardino of Sanlakas-Women said that even though President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had lifted the national state of emergency, she believes violence against women will continue to increase and poverty will remain to be a major problem.

Also present during the press conference were dance instructor Donna Porter and Helen Castro of the Federation of Trisikad in Bacolod.*DMG

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