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IN THE NEWS... BILL ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS, GENDER EDUCATION PASSES HOUSE 2ND READING
MANILA, Philippines - A pending bill on women's rights and gender education in the workplace gained ground in the House of Representatives as it passed second reading. The House of Representatives website said Monday House Bill 4374 underscores the role of employers and trade unions to help educate and inform workers. Principally authored by Reps. Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan of Gabriela Party-list, the bill aims to amend Article 210 of Presidential Decree 442, the Labor Code of the Philippines. The bill requires the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to jointly prescribe the regulations for such education programs. Such programs include women's rights and gender equality; and the rights, benefits, duties and responsibilities of workers. Employers and trade unions may seek the assistance of government instrumentalities, non-government organizations, labor groups, industry chambers, and other entities concerned with such activities. "This bill addresses the need for government to enforce the promotion and protection of women workers' rights, welfare and development and gender equality through education seminars in the workplace," Maza said. Maza lauded women's groups and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that tried to raise awareness about women's rights and gender equality to fight sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. But she said it is still the government that should be primarily responsible for women and gender equality education in conformity with the Constitution's mandate. "A country aware and enlightened on women's rights, welfare and development and gender equality is better equipped to promote and protect women, prevent crimes against women of all ages and eliminate gender and sex discrimination and inequality," Maza said. Source here ANGARA PUSHES FOR THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN'S RIGHTS
Senator Edgardo J. Angara today called for the promotion of gender equality in the country as a vital element to ensure the protection of the rights of women. "Filipino women are already part and parcel of our economic development. They have been joining the labor force for decades now. Thus, their concern is the concern of the country," said Senator Angara, who also authored the Breastfeeding Law in 1992. "Despite being a signatory to numerous international commitments protecting and fulfilling women's rights, Filipino women continue to suffer from various forms of inequalities and discrimination, stemming from the economic, political and social divide," he added. Even though female representation in the labor force can be considered high, there are still wide gaps between females and males. According to the National Statistics Office, female labor force participation rate (LFPR) consistently lags behind the male LFPR in the past ten years. Across 1995 to 2005, female LFPR invariably registered only 50% while male LFPR was steadily above 80%, except in 2005 where it was slightly lower at 79.8%. The highest female LFPR was in 2001 with 82.3%, while the lowest was in 2000 with 80.3%. Moreover, the Civil Service Commission also reported that few women candidates who ran for public office succeeded in securing public posts. Despite the high success rate in elections, Filipino women still have dismal participation as decision-makers in the public sector. In 2004, the average proportion of women in key elected posts was no more than 17%. In fact, the dismal performance of women in the 2004 elections registered a sharp drop after an increasing trend beginning 1995. To remedy the situation, Angara sponsored the Magna Carta of Women which will serve as the 'women's bill of rights,' as it contains a ban on all forms of discrimination and recommends special measures to achieve equality between men and women. Under the Magna Carta of Women bill, the fulfillment of the rights of women provided for in other treaties and national laws are ensured. Among the many rights incorporated in the bill are: equal access to and elimination of discrimination in education, scholarships and training and participation and representation in all spheres of society, especially policy- and decision-making in private and government entities. Source : Senate of the Philippines, Press Release, July, 2008 THE MANILA TIMES FEATURE
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Last Updated: 16 November 2008 2003 Femalebattle.net |
