Legarda welcomes gender-sensitive approach to governance

 

Senator Loren Legarda welcomed the move of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte to ensure a gender-sensitive approach to governance.

 

Legarda made the statement following reports that outgoing Senator Pia Cayetano has joined Duterte's transition team to ensure that women are well-represented in the new administration and men who will hold government positions are gender-sensitive.

 

"It is important that the incoming administration gives priority to gender equality. We need leaders who will make sure not only gender equality, but also gender equity in the government's policies and programs," she said.

 

"We need to give both men and women equal opportunities and access to resources, but we must do so fairly and based on gender-specific strengths and challenges," said Legarda, who authored several women empowerment and gender-sensitive laws.

 

The Senator said that the Philippines is a leading nation in Asia, and even in the world, in closing the gender gap. She noted that in the annual Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Philippines ranks first in Asia, and always at the top ten countries globally.

 

"We must build on our gains and continue to provide equal support to men and women in reaching their full potential as individuals and as citizens participating in nation building. A gender-sensitive administration is most welcome," Legarda said.