Philippines Highlights Its Efforts on Women Empowerment at Reykjavik Global Forum

Representative Maria Rachel Arenas, Chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs delivers the Philippine statement at the Reykjavik Global Forum-Women Leaders Voices of Parliaments held in Reykjavik, Iceland on 13 to 14 November 2023

OSLO 20 November 2023 - Chairperson on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Representative Maria Rachel Arenas led the Philippine delegation in the Reykjavik Global Forum-Women Leaders Voices of Parliaments held in Reykjavik Iceland on 13 to 14 November 2023.

Representative Arenas also delivered the Philippine country statement during the forum, where she highlighted the successes of the Filipina and the importance of legislation and laws to ensure their welfare and protection.

“The resonant theme, ‘Power, Together for Leadership,’ strikes a chord that reverberates profoundly with the poignant journey of Filipino women in their tireless pursuit of empowerment. Our nation’s narrative unfolds as a testament to women’s indomitable spirit, narrating tales of resilience, the breaking of barriers, the shattering of stereotypes, and the ascent into leadership positions that permeate diverse sectors,” she said.

Representative Arenas noted the remarkable presence of Filipinas in various aspects of society, evidenced by the country’s high rankings in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index, the Philippine Magna Carta on Women, and the strong efforts towards reaching the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 on gender equality.  

She also shared that the Philippine Congress has the Women’s Priority Legislative Agenda (WPLA) as a testament to the Philippines’ commitment to gender equality. 

“In the hallowed halls of the 19th Congress, the WPLA proudly carries forth 11 proposed bills. These encompass ensuring equal rights in marriage and family relations, championing divorce and LGBTQ equality act, propelling legislation on women’s participation and representation, and heralding the Magna Carta for workers in the informal economy,” Representative Arenas shared.

“There exists no room for equivocation:  As lawmakers, our solemn duty calls us to eradicate all legalized actions that enable the silent discrimination, exclusion, and marginalization of women. As women, our collective responsibility implores us to wage an unyielding battle against every form of legitimized abuse, oppression, discrimination,and inequality faced by our fellow women,” the Filipina lawmaker added.

Representative Arenas was joined by Philippine Ambassador to Norway and Iceland Enrico T. Fos and Philippine Honorary Consul to Iceland Maria Precilla Zanoria during the forum.

Co-hosted by the government of Iceland and Women Political Leaders (WPL), the forum convenes women leaders from all sectors including politics, business, civil society, academia, and the arts and media to share ideas on how to advance society towards female and male equality. Some 500 women leaders from different countries participated in the forum. END

For more information, visit https://www.oslope.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHinNorway/ or https://www.instagram.com/phinnorway/.