Leni to Thais: Women make best envoys

Vice President-elect Leni Robredo. AP File Photo

VICE PRESIDENT Leni Robredo on Monday said that while women do not compete with men, they have proven to be the “best ambassadors of all.”

“Women are here, again not to compete with men, but women are here to send a message of unity, of compassion, of justice, of peace. We are the best ambassadors of all. I think the men know that,” Robredo told the Thai media in a press conference in Nonthaburi Province in Thailand.

Robredo was one of the recipients of the Honorary Outstanding Women of 2016 award from Southeast Asia.

The award was given by Thailand’s Queen Sirikit on Thai Women’s Day, and on the occasion of the Queen’s 84th birthday and the 70th anniversary of the accession to the throne of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Robredo called it an honor to receive the recognition on behalf of all Filipino women.

“This gives us the message that Filipino women are being recognized not only in Thailand, but also in the community of Asean nations… Filipino women occupy a much better place in our society now than before. Our women leaders have been very active,” Robredo said.

“But this is not to say that we are in competition with our men. We have always pushed for women empowerment as a big support system to the men. But over the years, Filipino women have shown that they are capable of leadership positions,” she said.

As Vice President, Robredo said she would “further advocate for the passage of more laws that will elevate the status of women in Filipino society.”

Robredo said she would continue to advocate for the economic empowerment of women in the rural areas as the “key for a higher level of empowerment for everyone.”