Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has assured women in the city of equal rights and protection from violence, vowing to help them achieve their dreams.

Belmonte opened the city’s Women’s Month celebration recently by saying she’s pushing women’s rights and empowerment.

“Always remember, you are equal to the man who sits next to you, and you can achieve all your dreams here in Quezon City,” Belmonte said. “Happy Women’s Month to you.”

“Let us promote our rights, abilities, and excellence as women, and always remember, you are equal to the man who sits next to you, and you can achieve all your dreams here in Quezon City,” she added.

Belmonte revealed that a Committee on Decorum and Investigation had been established by the city government to look after the safety of women in their workplaces.

Through the committee, women, including those working at City Hall, may report and get help for any abuse they may experience from their co-workers or bosses.

She then urged government units in the city down to the barangay level to create their own committee to protect women workers from violence and harassment.

The city has launched the “Safety City App” that would allow women to easily report incidents of violence to the local government through their phones.

Belmonte had been credited for her pro-women initiatives, including creating Task Force Magdalena in 2020 to rescue women from human trafficking, and the Quezon City Protection Center which provides legal and psychological intervention for victims of violence.

So far, more than 100 women had been rescued from trafficking by the task force.

The city also established Bahay Kanlungan to shelter women who need protection, while providing free medical assistance and medicines in barangay health centers for various illnesses and mental health conditions.

The No Woman Left Behind Program, meanwhile, allows women in the city jail to get a free check-up, laboratory test and education.

The mayor revealed that 2,700 women were assisted by violence against women desks in barangays, the Quezon City Police District, and the QC Protection Cente.

Twenty-two women were brought to the Bahay Kanlungan.

“Change starts at home. If every family joins in promoting women’s rights, we will achieve a change that is for everyone, real and long-lasting,” Belmonte said.