EDITORIAL - Best place for women

In recent years the Philippines has consistently ranked high in studies on gender equality. The latest MasterCard Worldwide Index of Women’s Advancement reported that despite being better educated, women in the Asia-Pacific region generally still lagged behind men in taking on leadership roles in politics and business. But the annual index ranked the Philippines among the four best countries for women along with New Zealand, Australia and Singapore.

Only New Zealand and the Philippines had over 50 female government leaders and business owners for every 100 of their male counterparts, the study showed, with the gender ratio in Philippine politics doubling in the past nine years.

The Philippines has had two women presidents and for the first time, a woman is serving as chief justice. The chief government auditor and tax collector, ombudsman and health secretary are women. Thanks to laws promoting gender equality and protecting women from discrimination and harassment, fields traditionally dominated by men, including the military and police, are getting more women.

Tough laws against domestic violence, passed some years ago, are among the reasons for Filipinas to celebrate International Women’s Day today. The lifting of legal impediments to the implementation of the Reproductive Health Law is just the latest victory for women’s rights in the Philippines.

As in many other laws in this country, however, what is lacking is enforcement. Too many Filipino women – particularly the impoverished who lack education – are unaware of their rights and the protection they enjoy under the law from abuse and discrimination. Domestic violence persists, victimizing both women and their children.

More programs are also needed to improve women’s access to health services, adult literacy and livelihood programs. Micro-lending programs targeting women can use a boost. More employment and livelihood opportunities can slow down the exodus of workers for jobs overseas. Many of the overseas workers are women who are leaving young children behind.

The Philippines has reason to celebrate its status as a country that promotes gender equality. The challenge has always been to ensure that the equality is enjoyed even by the poor and marginalized.