In celebration of Women’s Month, Akbayan Partylist First Nominee Atty. Chel Diokno vows to push for more programs focused on empowering women, helping them succeed in various fields, and developing them into the country’s new set of leaders.
“Kailangan nating magbalangkas at magpatupad ng mas marami pang programa at proyekto para tulungan ang kababaihan na magtagumpay,” Diokno said.
“Patas na pagkakataon, suporta sa edukasyon at sapat na tulong para sa kabuhayan at kalusugan ang dapat ibigay sa kanila, lalo na sa mahihirap, upang magkaroon sila ng tsansang umangat sa buhay, pati na ang kanilang pamilya,” he added.
The human rights lawyer is also calling for stronger enforcement of existing laws, such as the Magna Carta of Women, which aims to eliminate discrimination against women and promote their welfare, enabling them to step up and take on leadership roles.
“Kung bibigyan natin ng patas na pagkakataon ang kababaihan para magtagumpay, uusbong mula sa kanilang hanay ang mga potensiyal na lider na maaaring gumawa ng mga makabuluhang pagbabago para sa lipunan at sa bansa,” Diokno pointed out.
Based on our history, Diokno said the country has produced many women leaders, and given the proper support, many others will follow suit, paving the way for a stronger and more inclusive future where they continue to play a vital role in shaping the nation.
“Batay sa ating kasaysayan, maraming babaeng lider ang tumindig at kumilos para sa kapakanan ng nakararami, at kung mabibigyan sila ng tamang suporta at pagkakataon, tiyak na magpapatuloy ang kanilang kontribusyon sa ating bayan,” he emphasized.
At present, women remain severely underrepresented in top leadership positions in governance and politics. In the House of Representatives, only 86 out of 316 lawmakers are women, while in the Senate, only seven out of 23 are women. Throughout the country’s history, only two out of fifteen presidents have been women.