President Rodrigo Duterte has called on the nation to promote women empowerment and to participate in advocacies recognizing and fighting for women’s rights in line with the celebration of Women’s Month.
“Let us elevate women to their rightful place in society by empowering every Filipina to break not only the barriers that have long hindered them from reaching their full potential, but also the backward mindset that fueled a culture of gender oppression and equality,” the President stated.
Although measures have yet to be done to “completely free” women from gender inequality, he recognized government’s “concrete, sustainable, and inclusive actions” in the establishment of an environment that respects rights and honors the role of women.
In a pre-recorded speech aired March 3 during the kickoff ceremony of the National Women’s Month led by the Philippine Commission on Women, he enjoined everyone to promote women empowerment and recognize the role of women in nation-building and upholding equality.
Among the laws signed by the president in protecting women’s rights are Republic Act No. 11210 or the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Law and Republic Act No. 11148 or Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act.
Citing a 2020 report from the World Economic Forum, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday relayed that the Philippines became the most gender-equal nation in Asia and sixteenth in the world under the Duterte Administration.
Meanwhile, communications Secretary Martin Andanar in a separate statement honored the role of women, especially on responding to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Duterte Administration continues to be unrelenting in the pursuit of empowering women and providing them with equal access to education, economic and growth opportunities, health care, and other public services, among others,” Andanar assured.
– PTV News Online
