PBBM highlights the role of women in nation-building, calls for an environment enabling their equal participation in all spheres

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recognized the contribution of Filipino women in nation-building and underscored the need for a “conducive and nurturing environment” that will enable women and girls to participate freely and equally in our political, social, and economic spheres.

In his speech at the oath-taking of the newly-elected National Executive Board and Regional Presidents of the Lady Local Legislators League of the Philippines, Inc. (Four-L Phil) on December 12, 2023, the Chief Executive said that “women leaders play an indispensable role in the vital task of nation building.” He highlighted that women, as the “supreme assets” of the country, have tirelessly contributed to development throughout our country’s history and have been integral in families, communities, and society as a whole.

President Marcos Jr. believes that the Philippines is “doing a good job” and has “already achieved much” in promoting gender equality, even mentioning that the Philippines ranked 16th among the 146 countries globally in the Global Gender Gap Index in the World Economic Forum. 

While the improved ranking (compared to the previous year) is something to be proud of, the President believes that “there remains a great deal to be done to achieve our goal of gender parity.” He encouraged the members of the Four-L Philippines to continue working for the “passage of local legislative measures that aim to improve the lives of our people, especially the vulnerable” and embrace their commitment to conduct fair and gender-responsive programs in their respective localities.

“We can broaden the growth opportunities and enhance the role of women in our society. So, most importantly, create a conducive and nurturing environment for women and girls to participate freely and equally in our political, social, and economic spheres,” President Marcos Jr. said.

The Four-L Phil comprises current officials from various local government units nationwide, all of whom are women, comprising an all-female organization.

Hence, the President enthused that he “hopes to see more women in key leadership positions in the country” and reiterated that the “administration remains steadfast in implementing the Magna Carta of Women at all levels of government.”

The Magna Carta of Women is the comprehensive women’s human rights law aimed at eradicating discrimination by acknowledging, safeguarding, ensuring fulfillment, and advocating for the rights of Filipino women, particularly those from marginalized sectors in society. It mandates all government offices, including government-owned and controlled corporations and local government units, to adopt gender mainstreaming as a strategy for implementing the law and attaining its objectives.

Concluding his statement, the President called for the eradication of discrimination against women. “Let us aim to eradicate prejudice and discrimination against women in every facet of society, so we can build a Bagong Pilipinas that empowers women to be the best that they can be,” President Marcos ended.