Launch of the IRR of the Magna Carta of Women (R.A. 9710) and the Asia-Pacific Human Development Report “Power, Voice and Rights: a Turning Point for Gender Equality in Asia and the Pacific”

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) led the launch of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act no. 9710, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta of Women together with the Asia-Pacific Human Development Report “Power, Voice and Rights: a Turning Point for Gender Equality in Asia and the Pacific” last 8 July 2010, 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Manila, Makati City.

The third in a regular series, the Asia-Pacific Regional Human Development Report (APHDR) on Gender provides continuing analysis on regional development challenges for countries in our region. The APHDR is intended to deepen dialogue on ways to overcome gender inequalities, focusing on three strategic stakeholder prioritized areas for change: economic power, political voice and legal rights. In line with the solution orientation of APDHR, the Report recommends an agenda for action that requires transforming institutions, changing attitudes and strengthening assessments.

The Magna Carta of Women in the Philippines is a historic step forward in upholding women’s rights, promoting gender equality, and ensuring the elimination of discrimination against women. The MCW IRR was discussed in a forum moderated by Ms. Cheche Lazaro using as an overall framework the three specific domains in the Report (economic power, political voice and legal rights), in an open dialogue with specialists from Government and Civil Service Organizations.

A Press Conference with PCW Chairperson Myrna Yao and UNDP Country Director Mr. Renaud Meyer as resource persons was held right before the launching ceremony.