Quezon City at 85: Leading the way in gender equality, inclusivity

Quezon City is setting a benchmark for gender equality and inclusivity with progressive programs and policies that uplift women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and marginalized groups. Guided by its commitment to ensure that QC is inclusive, the city continues to empower and provide opportunities for those who need it most.

Empowering Women, including PDLs

One example is the livelihood and education programs for women Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the QC Female Dormitory. These programs allow women PDLs to earn and contribute to their families while in detention, with earnings from handmade crafts.

Education is also a priority. Hundreds of women PDLs have completed elementary and high school, while the first batch of graduates in the BS Entrepreneurship program — developed in partnership with Quezon City University — has already celebrated their success.

To further enhance skills development, the city, in collaboration with Park Inn by Radisson North EDSA Hotel, launched a basic housekeeping course. The program includes practical training in a model hotel room built within the Female Dormitory.

Beyond detention, the city extends its livelihood support to women who have reintegrated into society.

Thousands of women — solo parents, wives of recovering drug dependents, and survivors of gender-based violence — have been provided the means to start small businesses and rebuild their lives.

Advocating for LGBTQIA+ Rights

As a staunch advocate of equality, Quezon City has made significant strides in promoting inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community. Over a decade since the city pioneered the Gender Fair Ordinance in the country, it remains at the forefront of creating safe and empowering spaces for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

This year, Quezon City hosted Southeast Asia’s largest Pride Festival, drawing over 200,000 participants to celebrate equality and freedom. Alongside the festivities, the city held the firstever Rainbow Graduation rites, where LGBTQIA+ individuals proudly marched in attire aligned with their SOGIE, symbolically receiving diplomas as their authentic selves.

“Graduation rites are everyone’s rights. In Quezon City, you have the right to express your truth, no matter your sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression,” said Mayor Belmonte. “Hopefully in the future, we will no longer need to hold such a ceremony because all schools will be inclusive.”

On the other hand, the city’s groundbreaking “Right to Care Card” continues to make waves, granting queer couples the legal recognition to make medical decisions for each other. Supported by a city ordinance that mandates all hospitals in Quezon City to honor it, the initiative has garnered 43 local and international awards, including Asia’s Most Excellent and Innovative Legislation.

The QC Right to Care Card team (composed of the QC Gender and Development Council and MullenLowe TREYNA) was also cited as Bahaghari Champion during the Philippine Bahaghari Awards 2024 organized by the Philippine Financial & InterIndustry Pride.

Highlighting Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence

Quezon City also actively combats violence against women through events like the latest Cycle Against VAW and the inaugural QC MOVE (Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere) Summit. These initiatives not only raise awareness but also engage men in the advocacy for gender equality.

Recently, Mayor Belmonte inducted the officers of TIBO QC during National Lesbian Day, further solidifying the city’s commitment to championing LGBTQIA+ rights and representation.

Model of Inclusivity

As Quezon City continues to trailblaze with innovative programs, it remains a learning destination for global leaders. This year, the QC Female Dormitory welcomed visits from First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Singapore’s First Lady Jane Yumiko Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, and other foreign dignitaries, underscoring its global recognition as a leader in inclusivity and empowerment.

Quezon City’s policies and initiatives serve as a beacon for local governments across the country and beyond, proving that inclusivity, equality, and empowerment are key to building a stronger, more progressive society.