In this year’s commemoration of International Women’s Day, the top government officials in the Philippines called on Filipinos to continue breaking down the barriers set up by society in order to achieve a more gender-equal and inclusive world.
“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 inequality,” said President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday.
The President, who in the past has been criticized for making sexist jokes and remarks, acknowledged “there is still much to be done” to eradicate the issues of inequality. Duterte encouraged the public to continue supporting advocacies pushing for female empowerment.
Citing the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Report 2020, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque claimed that it was under the current administration when the Philippines ranked first in Asia and 16th worldwide in closing the gender gap,
“‘Yung mga nagsasabing hindi tinataguyod ng Presidente ang karapatan ng kababaihan, sino bang presidente ang nagbigay ng ganyang distinction sa Pilipinas?”
Vice President Leni Robredo encouraged fellow Filipino women to continue to work towards a “fairer, kinder, more humane world, where no one is left behind.”
“We need as many women and allies as possible banging against the glass ceiling and creating spaces where all genders can flourish and contribute to society,” Robredo said. “Let us blaze new trails for others to follow.”
“There are still places in this world where women are denied an education, forced into marriages, and left with no choice but to dream smaller,” she added.
