President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for stronger global efforts to advance women’s rights and opportunities as he addressed the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York City on Monday, March 9 (US time).
In his remarks, Marcos said the status of women remains one of the most fundamental indicators of a nation’s progress, noting that development should not only be measured through economic growth or infrastructure but also through the well-being and empowerment of women.
“If women are educated, safe, able to work, able to lead, able to decide the course of their own lives, then the society is moving forward. If they are not, then no level of prosperity can truly be called progress.”
The president said Filipino women have long played key roles in the country’s development as leaders in government and business, as well as educators, health workers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. He added that their contributions continue to shape the Philippines’ democracy and economy.
“Our country has worked consistently to translate this belief into policy, strengthening protections for women, expanding opportunities for education and employment, and promoting women's leadership across all sectors of society.”
Marcos highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen policies that protect women and expand opportunities in education, employment, and leadership. However, he acknowledged that achieving full gender equality remains a challenge globally.
“But even as we take pride in this progress, we recognize that the journey towards full equality, both in our country and around the world, is far from complete.”
He stressed the importance of investing in girls’ education and promoting women’s economic participation through access to jobs, finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles.
The president also called for stronger action against violence toward women, saying such acts undermine dignity and weaken communities.
Marcos emphasized that women must be included in decision-making across sectors, including government, business, science, diplomacy, and peacebuilding, especially as the world faces challenges such as conflict, climate change, and economic uncertainty.
The Executive Chief then concluded by reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to working with other nations to advance gender equality, saying empowering women leads to stronger and more resilient societies.
“The Philippines stands ready to work with all nations to advance this cause. Because when women rise, societies rise with them. When women lead, nations move forward.”
Meanwhile, discussions on women’s rights and misogyny have also gained attention in the Philippines in recent days. Several celebrities and social media users have criticized what they described as a persistent misogynistic culture after Bong Suntay drew backlash for remarks that seemingly objectified actress Anne Curtis.
The issue was further fueled after actress Jasmine Curtis-Smith publicly pushed back against lawyer Ferdinand Topacio over comments he made regarding her bikini photos, prompting wider online conversations about respect, sexism, and the treatment of women in public discourse.
