14 March 2016 - “Empowerment is more than breaking barriers. Empowerment is about recognizing that when women and girls, men and boys enjoy equal rights and opportunities and have a voice, society benefits as a whole,” proclaimed the joint statement of 118 countries, the Philippines included, that was read today at the UN Human Rights Council meeting.
The joint statement also asserts that empowering women to participate fully in economic life across all sectors is “essential in building stronger economies, achieving internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability, and improving the quality of life for women, men, families and communities.”
“On this International Women’s Day, we pay tribute to women and girls who put their own safety at risk to defend human rights and work towards peace and security. They face adversity with courage and determination, which continues to inspire us in our commitment to achieve gender equality by 2030,” the joint further reads.
The joint statement was issued in the celebration of the International Women’s Day at the UN Human Rights Council, which is holding its 31st Session in Geneva from February 29 to March 24.
The Philippines is one of the 47 member states of the UN Human Rights Council. END