Cebu urban poor women-leaders use art to champion gender rights, social justice

THE advocacy of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) was brought to life during the Capability Building Training held in Cebu City on April 10, 2025.

ART AS EXPRESSION Urban poor women-leaders use art to champion gender rights and social justice at the Capability Building Training conducted by the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor in Cebu City on April 10, 2025. PCUP PHOTO

Seventy leaders from the urban poor communities of Cebu City showcased their creative interpretations of gender rights and social justice through artworks such as paintings, drawings and oil pastel creations. The event was led by the PCUP Field Operations Division for Visayas in partnership with Lumina of UV Gullas Law School, KVP Cabahug, Amigo-Escobar and Partners Law, and Wagas and Estorgio Law Firm.

The training also covered important laws such as RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) and RA 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act).

The activity served as a platform for the urban poor leaders to better understand their rights within their communities.

"In this training, I saw how powerful art can be as a means of expression. In each work of our poor leaders, I felt the courage, the stories, and the stand for rights, equality and a safe community; and my belief that each of us has a voice has been strengthened, especially the urban poor," PCUP Chairman and CEO Meynardo Sabili said.

The outputs of the communities were not just considered as works of art; each piece also reflected strong stands against gender-based violence, inequality and discrimination.

Every artwork tells a story of struggle, resilience and hope, proving that art is a powerful tool for advocacy and community empowerment. This is just one of PCUP's goals to promote equal opportunities for all genders through various programs addressing issues related to gender and the rights of marginalized women.