Duterte calls for support on causes promoting women empowerment

MANILA, Philippines — In celebration of National Women’s Month, President Rodrigo Duterte has urged Filipinos to support advocacies promoting women empowerment.

While efforts are being done to ensure equal opportunities for women, Duterte recognized that “the work is far from over.”

“The government recognizes the role of women in nation-building and upholding the fundamental equality before the law of both genders,” Duterte said in a recorded message during the Philippine Commission on Women’s celebration of National Women’s Month on Wednesday.

“This is why we are working relentlessly to ensure that they will have equal access to education, economic opportunities, health care and social services, and growth opportunities.”

“But the work is far from over thus I urge the people to participate in advocacies and activities that promote women empowerment. Let us all work hand-in-hand to address the needs of women and honor their immense contribution to society,” he went on.

Duterte’s remarks come at the heels of his recent remarks that the presidency is no job for a woman as he insisted that his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, will not run for the highest office in next year’s election.

National Women’s Month is observed every March, with this year’s theme as “Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya!”

Accordingly, the annual International Women’s Day is celebrated every 8th of March. It was officially commemorated by the United Nations in 1977.

KGA