Marcos to UN body: Educating women strengthens families, nations

Educating women should be a priority for every country as it strengthens families and nations, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday as he paid tribute to Filipino women as the “cornerstone of nation-building.”

Marcos made the remarks during the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York, where he arrived the day before for a two-day working visit.

“Education must remain at the center of all our efforts. When a girl is educated, the benefits extend far beyond the individual,” Marcos said during his speech.

“They strengthen families, uplift communities, and expand the possibilities of entire nations,” he added.

The President also noted that Filipino women continue to shape the country’s democracy, economy, and national character.

However, he acknowledged the struggles that women have been facing, including discrimination, violence, and limited access to opportunities.

“But beyond laws and institutions, we must also address the attitudes and assumptions that continue to limit women’s roles in many parts of the world. True equality requires not only policy change, but cultural change,” Marcos said.

“Women must be present wherever decisions are made – in government, in business, in science, in diplomacy, and in peacebuilding. The Philippines stands ready to work with all nations to advance this cause,” he added.

Marcos will be in the United States until Wednesday, March 11.

During his work visit, Marcos will also meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of his visit. — JMA, GMA Integrated News