Atty. Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves

Executive Director, Philippine Commission on Women

Virtual Expert Group Meeting: Implementing Beijing+25 Commitments in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

15 September 2020

pivotal year for the accelerated realization of gender equality and empowerment of ALL women and girls.

Accelerating progress of BPfA in the Philippines from 2014 - 2019

OD 1: Inclusive Development, Shared Prosperity and Decent Work

• Laws on decent work, business and entrepreneurship

• COVID-19 has put the

livelihood of women in the

informal sector, migrant

workers and micro-

entrepreneurs at risk

OD 2: Poverty Eradication, Social Protection and Social Services

• Programs for displaced and disadvantaged workers

❑Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program

❑Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program/ Livelihood

Assistance for Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers

❑Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) Program/ Returning Pinay, Returning Livelihood

• Strong legislation on health care, sexual and reproductive health and rights

OD 2: Poverty Eradication, Social Protection and Social Services

• Improved educational outcomes and skills for women and girls

• Services and facilities meant for sexual and reproductive health

care may be de-prioritized to accommodate COVID-19 cases

• Safe and accessible education for

learners at all levels is a challenge

OD 3: Freedom from Violence, Stigma and Stereotypes

• Policies on eliminating violence against women and girls

• Decrease in reported cases of gender-based violence during

community quarantine period, suggesting barriers to victims’

access to assistance

OD 4: Participation, Accountability and Gender-responsive Institutions

• Increased participation of women in media through ICT

• Improved gender-responsive

budgeting and increase in

gender budget utilization

• Ensuring women’s meaningful

participation and representation

is key to gender-responsive

and inclusive COVID-19

response and recovery efforts

OD 5: Peaceful and Inclusive Societies

• Implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security

• Support for women’s participation in the peace process

OD 6: Environmental Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation

• Implementation of programs to strengthen the role of women in shaping environmental protection and

climate-resilient policies and practices

• COVID-19 has created new challenges for

environmental protection and climate change

Achieving universal health care, inclusive social protection, decent work, women’s economic empowerment, quality education and eliminating VAWC have acquired newfound urgency amidst the pandemic.

Twenty-five years after the adoption of the BPfA, the Philippines is both honored and committed to remain a part of the conversation on its full and effective implementation especially in the context of emerging challenges such as the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

1145 J. P. Laurel St., San Miguel, Manila 1005 Philippines

Telephone No. +632.8735.1654 | Facsimile No. +632.8736.4449

PCWgovph CommissionOnWomenPHhttps://www.pcw.gov.ph oed@pcw.gov.ph

Thank you!