NDC team joins International Women's Day event focus being on addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing

Representatives from the National Development Company recently took part in the Philippine Commission on Women's event celebrating International Women's Day with the theme, "Investing in Equality toward Gender-inclusive Prosperity."

Gender and Development (GAD) focal point representatives from private sectors and local government units (LGUs) were present to hear insights from various officials, including keynote speaker Senator Loren Legarda, Ambassador of Australia to the Philippines H.E. HK Yu PSM, and Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines H.E. David Hartman.

International organization representatives also weighed in on the discourse with UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines Gustavo González, International Labor Organization Philippines Country Director Khalid Hassan, United Nations Development Program Philippines Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran, and Asian Development Bank Director for Gender Equality Samantha Hung.

Among those addressed in the event were the current status of gender equality, challenges, and financing with a gender perspective. A strong call to solve gender development gaps at the grassroots level was echoed by all officials so we can continue to progress.

The role of government agencies was also emphasized in not only advocating for gender equality but also appropriately financing and taking measures to efficiently implement laws and policies surrounding GAD.

Adequately investing in women’s welfare, who constitute 50% of the population, will dramatically increase the country’s all-inclusive and sustainable economic development.