Pasay: Senator Loren Legarda on Tuesday emphasized gender equality and advocated for women’s leadership in making the world more inclusive, humane, peaceful, and resilient. In her opening message at the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS), Legarda highlighted the important role lawmakers play in driving the transformation.
According to Philippines News Agency, Legarda shared insights from her nearly three decades of legislative experience, emphasizing the need for practical measures, resources, financing, and gender-responsive policies to address the unique needs of women in conflict areas. She emphasized the conference’s focus on enriching and expanding appreciation and understanding of championing women’s rights and well-being, empowering them to participate in society, including leadership roles in peace and security.
The conference, commemorating the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, is being hosted by the Philippines from O
ctober 28 to 30 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Resolution 1325, adopted in 2000, recognizes the critical role of women in conflict prevention, peace-building, and post-conflict reconstruction, emphasizing their equal and active participation in sustaining peace and security.
With 90 ministers and 158 senior officials and delegates from around the world present, Legarda expressed hopes for collective legislative action to champion Women, Peace, and Security initiatives, eliminating barriers that prevent women from shaping their futures globally. She advocated for focused legislation promoting gender equality and gender-responsive budgeting to build better foundations for women’s leadership in conflict prevention, resolution, and recovery.
Legarda reiterated the responsibility of lawmakers to create enabling legal frameworks, ensure sustained implementation, and amplify this commitment at national, regional, and global levels. The Philippines has taken a firm stance as a glob
al gender champion, with Legarda playing a key role in passing landmark legislation advancing women’s rights and welfare.
Significant laws include Southeast Asia’s first Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, its expanded version Magna Carta of Women, Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law, and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises law, which supports rural livelihoods largely managed by women. Additionally, Legarda authored the Climate Change Act, mandating female representation in the Climate Change Commission to ensure gender-responsive climate policies.