Nancy: Many women's issues still go unheeded
...strong implementation of laws by gov't agencies, private sector needed

We strive to make a difference but we can only achieve so much.

These were the driving words that Senator Nancy Binay emphasized during her speech during the Philippine Senate's Commemoration of National Women's Month this March and the National Women's Day on March 8 at the GSIS Financial Complex Senate grounds earlier today.

She lauded the dedication, perseverance and hard work of working women, especially those serving the government, in their effort to make ends meet for their families, their careers, the country and for themselves.

Senator Binay also emphasized the growing representation of women at the Philippine Senate. She even shared the challenges that each of her fellow lady senators may have.

"The biggest challenge that I face as a woman is how to be a mother, a wife and a public servant all at the same time," the lady senator shared.

However, Senator Binay also underscored that need for social structures - families, the community and most especially, the government - to provide support for the rights and welfare of women.

In previous statements, the lady senator pointed out various women's issues that need the government's attention, notwithstanding the constitutional guarantee that the state shall ensure that women's rights are equal to those of men.

"In spite of the many laws protecting women's rights and welfare, sadly, our institutions are too weak to implement laws relevant to or sympathetic to women," the lady senator had previously pointed out.

She added that even with the relevant laws on women, there is noticeably little effort from government in pushing for their implementation.

Binay had previously cited the lack of Women's Desk in local police precincts or even breastfeeding stations in government offices.

Moreover, Binay also emphasized the continually growing cases of discrimination and violence against women.

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) said that there were 15,969 cases of violence against women reported to the Women and Children Protection Center of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 2012--higher than 2011's 12,948 and 2010's 15,104.

"The statistics are worrisome considering that there may be more cases that have gone unreported. Sana po ang mga nakaranas ng anumang abuso ay huwag mag-atubiling magsumbong. Karapatan po natin ito kaya hindi tayo dapat mahiya o matakot," urged Binay.

Aside from this, the lady senator also said that it was high time that Filipinas' strength and resilience in the face of challenges be recognized and acknowledged.

"The determination of women to overcome challenges should be recognized. Iyun pong mga may edad na mga babae, mga nanay at mga batang babae na napilitang itaguyod mag-isa ang kanilang pamilya matapos ang sakuna--sila po ay patunay na kaya ng kababaihan na tumayo sa sarili nilang mga paa," she said.

During her speech, Senator Binay mentioned a Senate bill she passed that greatly impacts working women, especially those serving the government -Senate Bill No. 2083 or "An Act Providing Maternity Leave Benefits to Women in the Government Service, and for Other Purposes."

With SB No. 2083 seeks to provide pregnant women permanently or temporarily appointed to government service to be paid daily maternity benefits which are equivalent to 100 percent of their daily salary credit for 120 days. This also repeals Commonwealth Act No. 647 or "An Act to Grant Maternity Leave to Married Women Who are in the Service of the Government or Any of Its Instrumentalities" which discriminates against unmarried pregnant women and denies them maternity leave benefits.

In parting, Senator Binay said "Ngayong National Women's Month, atin pong isa-isip at isa-puso ang pagbibigay-pugay sa mga kababaihan sa ating buhay - ang ating mga ina, asawa, anak, kapatid at kasamahan sa trabaho."