24 June 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Pretoria held an information session on R.A. 9710, otherwise known as the Philippine Magna Carta of Women, on June 14. The event, which promoted gender and development, was attended by over 200 Filipinos across southern Africa who gathered at the Embassy for this session.

As the month of June marks the nation’s commemoration of the country’s freedom and liberation from foreign dominance, so does the Philippine Magna Carta of Women stands up, recognizes, protects and promotes the rights of all women in the Philippines. The passage of this law and its implementation is a recognition not only of women’s rights and liberty but also of the equally important role and status of women in shaping the Philippines.

During the information session, it was evident that many in the community were not aware of how advanced the Philippines is in advocating women’s rights and many have been impressed with the strides the country has made in pursuing gender equality. The Embassy also took advantage of the information session to assure the Filipino community, particularly the womenfolk, that the Embassy has a gender focal point officer who could provide gender-sensitive and gender-appropriate service should they seek the Embassy’s assistance in times of distress.  END