14 December 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi organized an “Orientation and Discussion on the Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act 9710)” on  November 27 at the Embassy grounds.

Second Secretary and Consul Maria Roseny B. Fangco conducted the orientation on the Magna Carta of Women and facilitated an interactive discussion among personnel of the Philippine Embassy, Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), and members of the Filipino community in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Consul Fangco emphasized why learning the Magna Carta of Women is important, highlighting data and figures on the women’s labor force.  Participants were also given an overview on the rights of women, issues related to marginalization of women, gender equality, women empowerment, and protection of girl-children.

Quoting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Consul Fangco ended her talk saying, “There is one universal truth, applicable to all countries, cultures and communities:  violence against women is never acceptable, never excusable, never tolerable.” 

Republic Act No. 9710, an act providing for the Magna Carta of Women, was signed on 14 August 2009.  It is a comprehensive women’s human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women by recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and promoting the rights of Filipino women, especially those in the marginalized sectors. END.