Women solons to represent PH in UN Commission on Status of Women meet

MANILA, Philippines — Laguna 1st District Rep. Ann Matibag and Bataan 1st District Rep. Geraldine Roman will be representing the country in the 68th Session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women that runs from March 14 to 22.

In a statement, Matibag said that she and Roman, the vice chairperson and chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on women and gender equality, will report on the state of women in the Philippines.

Matibag said the House assigned them as delegates to the Bilateral Meeting with Members of the European Parliament from the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender, which will be held at the UN headquarters in New York, United States.

“The City of San Pedro is very supportive to women and gender equality and we’re very proud that it is also supported by our national government,” Matibag said on Wednesday.

“Not only known for the beauty and brain, but Filipino women have also the guts, courage, the will, and leadership to make everything better.  We are proud to announce with our fellow world leaders that women in our country are being well-respected, equal, and honored,” she added.

Matibag said that the UN Women official site states that the 68th Annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) will focus on “accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”

Part of the goal, UN Women states, is also to end extreme poverty, especially among women by achieving sustainable development goals by 2030.

“The world is at a crucial crossroads for gender equality. Globally, 10.3 percent of women live in extreme poverty today, and they are poorer than men. Progress towards ending poverty needs to be 26 times faster to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030,” UN Women said.

“Accelerated progress requires investment. Data from 48 developing economies shows that an additional $360 billion is needed per year to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment across key global goals, including to end poverty and hunger,” it added.

Matibag said it was an honor for them to represent the Philippines in the discussions.

“It’s really an honor to represent our country in the UN. Women in our country have excelled not only in leadership but also in other fields like fashion, music, arts, entertainment, and sports. They are too many to mention but all of them have brought pride and glory to our nation,” Matibag said.

Previously, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman highlighted notable strides made by the Philippines in terms of advancing women’s rights.  Pangandaman also spoke at the General Discussion at the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) as the head of the Philippine delegation.

She is also expected to lead the delegation’s engagement in the session’s activities.

READ: Pangandaman cites PH gains in advancing women’s rights in UN meet