Equality and empowerment
MAGNA CARTA FOR WOMEN SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT

With the consolidated initiatives and efforts in attaining equality and empowerment Senator Edgardo J.Angara expresses gratitude to the people who helped and pushed for the passage of Magna Carta for Women.

"Despite being a signatory to numerous international commitments protecting and fulfilling women's rights, Filipino women continue to suffer from various forms of inequalities and discrimination, stemming from the economic, political and social divide," said Angara who also authored a bill on Magna Carta for Women.

In the area of labor, employment and poverty alleviation, government and private sector institutions should develop and strictly implement gender-fair policies that protect women workers, as well as promote opportunities for women's economic empowerment.

Reports from the National Statistics Office state that female labor force participation rate (LFPR) consistently lags behind the male LFPR in the past ten years. Across 1995 to 2005, female LFPR invariably registered only 50%, while male LFPR was steadily above 80% except in 2005 where it was slightly lower at 79.8%.  Highest female LFPR was in 2001 (82.3%), while the lowest was in 2000 (80.3%).

In the area of promoting women's health rights, women and men should be provided with access to information and options for planning the number and spacing of their children. Interventions to promote women and girl-children's health, as well as to prevent incidences of violence against women should be actively pursued, especially by local government and civil society organizations.

Meanwhile, women should not also be discriminated in the civil, cultural and political spheres, laws and practices that tend to limit their capacities and opportunities for development.

Republic Act 9710, which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo recently signed into law, will definitely guarantee protection and women's rights in all spheres of society toward developing all aspects of their well being.

"The passage of this bill could not more delighting. This will definitely provide and guarantee protection, equality and more opportunities for women," said Angara.