Duterte: There's more we can do to achieve gender equality

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday hailed Filipino women, calling them a "shining beacon of gender equality and women empowerment in the world."

"I am truly proud of the Philippines' distinction as a shining beacon of gender equality and women empowerment in the world. Be it in politics, business, academe and local communities, most especially in our homes, women have occupied and continue to occupy positions of power and influence in our society," Duterte said in his message for International Women's Day.

"This emphasizes, not only our values as a people, but also the importance we put on women as vital partners in nation-building," he added.

The Philippines was ranked 17th out of 156 countries in the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2021, down one place from the previous year but still among the top performers in the Asia Pacific region.

But while Filipino women are breaking the glass ceiling, Duterte said the challenge is far from over.

"I believe that we can do more. As we gain more access to education, information and innovation, more women will have the chance to meaningfully participate in many aspects of human development and change the mindsets that continue to put women and other gender expressions at a disadvantage," he said.

"Let us come together in building a country where no one is left behind and everyone has the capacity to succeed. Mabuhay ang mga kababaihang Pilipino!" he added.

Malacañang has repeatedly said Duterte is not anti-women, despite the chief executive’s misogynistic remarks that even target women critical of his government. — VBL, GMA News