SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines  — Akbayan national spokesperson Risa Hontiveros cited recently women in the workplace as homemakers and working mothers during this year’s “Babae Po Ako-Year 6” forum held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center.

The forum’s theme, “Ina ng Tahanan Circa 2011”, tackled issues regarding challenges faced by working and stay-at-home mothers and was attended by womenfolk from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), locator companies, schools, people’s organization, and the Aeta community in this free port.

“I hate it when women say they are only housewives, only homemakers, because this is the most important and most difficult task that we do,” Hontiveros said.

Hontiveros noted that women, especially single mothers, should assert their rights and press for their welfare, including child support and employment opportunities.

She also noted that women who never had the chance to work should also be given pension in recognition of their work as dedicated housewives and home makers.

Working women, on the other hand, should demand for equal opportunity in the workplace, particularly equal pay and equal workload, she added.

The former Akbayan representative and now Akbayan spokesperson also touched on the issue of the Reproductive Health Bill, saying this is a secular issue not to be argued in a religious perspective. She noted that the bill seeks access to information regarding family planning, whether natural or artificial.

Women should always fight for their rights, Hontiveros stressed. “Sana hindi sa isang buwan kundi sa lahat ng buwan, hindi sa isang araw kundi bawat araw ay maigiit ng mga kababaihan ang karapatan, kagalingan at pananagutan natin sa lipunan,” she further said.

Hontiveros also sat as a panelist during the ensuing discussion, together with Dolly Yanan of Yokubari Foundation and Emily Pagal of Mondriaan Aura College. Herminia Magrata, a psychologist, Alma Bulawan of BUKLOD and Joy Bernardino of PREDA Foundation acted as resource persons.