The 13-member study group, headed by Secretary Mohammad Hayder Ali, of the Women’s and Children’s Affairs Ministry of Bangladesh, recently visited Quezon City, which has become one of Asia’s leading cities in implementing gender responsive policies and programs.
During the tour, which was organized by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the visitors will observe gender training at institutions and gender mainstreaming in government.
Belmonte had initiated the gender and development (GAD) program in the city through the passage of the Quezon City GAD Code.
In a 30-minute documentary presented at the City Hall Bulwagan, the local government showcased an overview of its development efforts and gender mainstreaming and advocacy (GEM) program.
In turn, the delegation briefed the city officials, led by Executive Director Mary Ruby Palma, of the QC Gender and Development Resources and Coordinating Office; and lawyer Victoria Loanzon, special assistant to the mayor and officer-in-charge of the city Cultural and Tourism Affairs Office, on the political and economic conditions of their country. Their presentation highlighted the equality and rights of women.
Quezon City is the pioneer city in gender mainstreaming and advocacy program in Metro Manila. The city has backed the promotion of equality of rights of men and women.
The Bangladesh delegation was the fifth international group to visit Quezon City in the last two years.
The Bangladesh officials later visited Marikina City, following a luncheon hosted by the Quezon City government. – Katherine Adraneda