Senate salutes women’s ‘indispensable’ contributions in fight vs COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — On International Women’s Day, the Senate adopted a resolution commemorating the occasion and recognizing women’s “indispensable contributions” both in the Filipino homes and the workforce, particularly in the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.

“While recognizing that across the world women are facing increased domestic violence, unpaid care duties, unemployment and poverty, and despite women making up a majority of front-line workers, there is disproportionate and inadequate representation of women in national and global COVID-19 policy spaces,” Senate Resolution No. 673 read.

The resolution, sponsored by Senator Joel Villanueva during Monday’s plenary session, underscores the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the pandemic.

“In order to uphold women’s rights and fully leverage the potential of women’s leadership in pandemic preparedness and response, this year’s celebration also recognizes that the perspectives of women and girls in all of their diversity must be integrated in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs in all spheres and at all stages of pandemic response and recovery,” the resolution read.

“The Philippines has always recognized the role of women in nation-building and the need to ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men, as enshrined in Article II, Section 14 of the Constitution,” it added.

The resolution also pointed to Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta for Women which tasks the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) to act as a catalyst for gender mainstreaming, as well as the authority on women’s concerns and lead advocate of women’s empowerment, gender equity, and gender equality.

Pursuant to its mandate, the PCW has organized a series of activities for International Women’s Day designed to highlight women’s participation in battling the pandemic and discuss gender issues exacerbated by the pandemic, according to the resolution.

“With more than 53 million women in the country, almost 50 percent of whom form part of the workforce, including health care workers and other front-liners, ensuring women’s effective participation in policy and decision-making processes is an ongoing yet indispensable effort requiring the full support of all sectors of society,” it said.

“At the same time, celebrating women’s unique and essential contributions in the home and in the workforce serves as a timely reminder of both the progress the Philippines has achieved, as well as the work still needed to secure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men,” it added.

During the same session, Senator Risa Hontiveros announced the filing of a bill seeking to establish programs and protocols to address the unique needs of women during disasters and public health emergencies.

Hontiveros along with Senators Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, Leila de Lima, Imee Marcos, Grace Poe and Cynthia Villar filed

Senate Bill No. 2088 or the proposed Gender Responsive and Inclusive Pandemic Management Act of 2021.

EDV

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