THE Philippine Commission on Women and the officials of the European Union (EU) recently met to reinforce their commitment in gender equality and women empowerment.

Ambassador of the Netherlands and EU Gender champion, Saskia de Lang, and Ambassador of the EU, Luc Véron, met the Chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women, Sandra Montano where gender equality and women empowerment in the country were discussed.

They also talked about how the EU Delegation and EU Member States can contribute for the success of the action plan.

Discussions focussed on the following priorities and areas of engagement, which are captured in the EU Country Level Implementation Plan (CLIP), the roll out of the global EU Gender Action Plan III in the Philippines:

1- Addressing the challenges and harnessing the opportunities offered by the green transition and the digital transformation

2- Integrating the women, peace and security agenda

3- Ensuring freedom from all forms of gender-based violence (and access to justice)

4- Promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights

5- Promoting equal participation and leadership

“In many ways, we have seen the Philippines’ progress towards gender equality across sectors, despite challenges and setbacks. We support those who are working to bring a gender equal world closer to home, as we share our values and experiences based on the universality of rights” said Mrs de Lang.

“The new EU implementation plan translates our commitment and strategy to concrete interventions towards gender equality and women empowerment in our partnership with the Philippines. We wish to do more and in a more systematic way. Closely cooperating with the PCW is key to successfully improve gender equality and the situation of women in the Philippines”, said Mr Véron.

The third phase of the global EU Gender Action Plan is boosting the engagement of the EU and its Member States into the promotion of gender equality and women empowerment in their relations with partner countries.

For access to the highlights of the Country level implementation plan for the Philippines of the EU Gender Action Plan III, please consult EU Delegation