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 [email protected]
Thank you!