03/04/2025
Empowering Voices: How Parang High Made Womenโs Month More Than Just a Celebration
by Nichole Yanga, photos by PHS faculty
What does it truly mean to celebrate Womenโs Month? Is it just about wearing purple and honoring womenโs achievements, or is there something deeper? At Parang High School, it was a movementโone that embraced unity, empowerment, and the powerful reminder that gender equality benefits everyone. This year, the faculty and students didnโt just mark the occasion; they lived its message, reinforcing the importance of fairness, inclusivity, and respect for all.
A striking sight greeted students as they walked into school on Monday morning: a sea of purple. Female teachers, along with several male teachers, proudly donned purple outfits in support of the movement. The vibrant color symbolized justice, dignity, and the continued fight for gender equality. The faculty gathered in the school courtyard for a group photo, capturing a moment of unity and purpose. Laughter and encouragement filled the air, emphasizing the camaraderie shared among the educators and the powerful message they sought to spread.
One of the highlights of the celebration was a special seminar organized by the schoolโs beloved guidance counselor, Ms. Theresa De Guzman. Known for her dedication to student and teacher welfare, she spearheaded a wellness initiative aimed at prioritizing womenโs health and workplace confidence. She arranged for a doctor to visit the school and provide valuable insights on maintaining well-being while managing professional responsibilities. The seminar focused on empowering teachers to work more confidently without unnecessary stress or problems, ensuring they could continue inspiring students with ease.
Ms. De Guzman shared her thoughts on the significance of Womenโs Month. โWomenโs Month isnโt just about women,โ she explained. โItโs about equality for all genders. Itโs a reminder that everyone deserves respect, recognition, and opportunities, regardless of who they are. We want to ensure that our female teachers feel supported, not just in their professional lives, but in their health and well-being as well.โ
Her words resonated deeply, sparking discussions about gender inclusivity and the role of both men and women in advocating for a more equitable society. Teachers and students alike shared stories of strong women who had impacted their lives, from mothers and grandmothers to historical figures who paved the way for gender rights.
Beyond the health check-ups and inspiring talks, students also participated in various activities throughout the week. In their homeroom subject, students were given a special activity where they drew the most inspiring woman in their life and wrote heartfelt messages about her. This activity encouraged creativity and reflection, helping students appreciate the contributions of women in their lives in a personal and meaningful way.
The celebration at Parang High School was a heartfelt reminder that Womenโs Month is not just a commemoration of past strugglesโitโs a continuing movement towards a more inclusive and fair world. As the faculty and students carried on with their day, the message was clear: the fight for equality is not just a womenโs fight; it is everyoneโs responsibility.
With smiles, solidarity, and a sea of purple, the Parang High School community stood togetherโnot just for a day, but for a future where respect knows no gender, and empowerment is a right, not a privilege. Because true equality is not just something we celebrateโitโs something we create, together.
