SOLID WOMEN VOTE, NOT A MYTH February 8, 2004 Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino senatorial bet Boots Anson Roa yesterday expressed the belief that a “solid women vote” is not a political myth in the country and this could be tapped when the nation’s voters’ troop to polling precincts on May 10. Speaking at the launch of the Gabriela Women Party held over the weekend, Anson-Roa urged Filipinas to play a more active role in the coming political exercise to guarantee victory of candidates who could be relied upon to protect and promote advocacies benefiting women, the youth and the family. Herself an active leader of various women’s organizations, Anson-Roa was among the senatorial candidates invited by Gabriela to address thousands of its members who came over from the regions to attend the Manila ceremonies for the new partylist organization. “A solid women vote is a postdated check for our various advocacies. It is a guarantee for more protection for women, a better future for our children and a renewed strength for the welfare of the Filipino family,” she said. Anson-Roa also cited Gabriela leaders for committing themselves to united women in pushing for pro-women advocacies. She noted that aside from Gabriela, a number of women organizations have played active part in nation building. The opposition senatorial bet had also been in the forefront of women and family rights advocacies. She was named Women Who Make a Difference awardee by the Soroptimist International and Outstanding Alumna of the University of the Philippines. “The public should support Gabriela and other similar organizations if we are that serious in pursuing a better deal for Filipino women and children. Ultimately, everything will redound for the benefit of a strong and united Filipino family,” she added.