'Fathers can make a difference' - women's group

MANILA, Philippines – The National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) stressed the importance of men in achieving gender equality in the Philippines as the group marked the observance of Fathers' Day this weekend. "Fathers' Day is an event to celebrate fatherhood and male parenting. On this day we honor not only our fathers and forefathers, but all men who have supported our interests and aspirations," said Myrna T. Yao, NCRFW chairperson. "The male population needs to be involved if gender equality is to be achieved," she said. A research cited by the United Nations Population Fund revealed that there is a growing interest among men to get involved in the issue of gender equality. Yao said this interest among men encourages "mutually satisfying relationships of women and men built on trust and communication." The NCRFW has spearheaded programs that seek to increase men's sense of ownership over new initiatives that promote gender equity, equality and women's empowerment, she said. "This is in response to the Philippine government's priority to develop gender programs that involve men and the role that they can play in a movement promoting gender equality and narrowing gender gaps in the country," Yao said. The NCRFW said that campaigning and organizing among men increase men's appreciation of seeing themselves as responsible, caring and non-violent partners. Good programs such as MOVE (Men Opposed Violence Everywhere) recognize that gender roles and relations are dependent on social contexts in which cultural, religious, economic, political and social circumstances are intertwined, Yao said. "These programs must espouse that gender relations are not static and can be changed," she added. The 23rd Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly (Beijing+5) held in 2000 made a stronger statement on men's responsibility in gender equality through its political declaration, citing that governments "emphasize that men must involve themselves and take joint responsibility with women for the promotion of gender equality." Through the initiative of the NCRFW, MOVE was convened by men from the government, private sector, academe and non-government organizations on November 27, 2006, during the commemoration of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women. - PR/GMANews.TV