New york city: The Philippine government is committed to the full implementation of a world declaration to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment, the country’s chief diplomat said before a high-level gathering at the start of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City on Sept. 22.
According to Philippines News Agency, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to the transformative vision of the Beijing Declaration for women, both within the country and globally. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in September 1995, is recognized as the most progressive blueprint on women’s rights, promoting equal rights, opportunities, and the eradication of poverty among women. It also addresses education, violence, women in armed conflicts, and power dynamics.
Lazaro highlighted Manila’s active efforts to implement the declaration through its integration into the Philippine strategic policy frameworks and budget. Over the years, the Philippines has pioneered ‘women-led approaches’ to peace and security, and leveraged technology to empower women further. The Philippine Commission on Women aims to intensify gender mainstreaming efforts and expand its network of regional and local Gender and Development (GAD) resource centers.
Lazaro also mentioned efforts to embed a gender-responsive lens into climate and disaster risk financing mechanisms, including the Green Climate Fund and the People’s Survival Fund. She reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to the United Nations and multilateralism, positioning the country as a champion for advancing gender equality as a driving force for peace, justice, and sustainable development.
According to UN Women, 10 percent of women continue to live in extreme poverty, with approximately 708 million women excluded from the labor market due to unpaid care work. The UN agency’s 2025 Gender Snapshot report also highlights the persistence of violence against women and girls, and notes that around 676 million women live within 50 kilometers of a conflict zone, the highest number since the 1990s.
