Vice President Leni Robredo said the only way to achieve equality for all is for women and their allies across genders to “band together” to create a society where their rights are protected.

This was the Philippine opposition leader’s message as the world celebrated International Women’s Day on Monday, March 8.

“Today is a reminder of the imperative: We need to band together to continue the work. We need as many women and allies as possible banging against the glass ceiling and creating spaces where all genders can flourish and contribute to society,” said Robredo.

The Vice President said that while the country has taken strides to empower women – from improved economic and political participation to stronger legislation protecting women – realities on the ground still paint a picture that “remains far from ideal” for Filipinas.

Robredo said that under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, women’s access to reproductive health services was hampered and quarantine restrictions have trapped victims of domestic violence with their abusers at home. 

The Vice President also lamented cases of young women who are still forced into marriage and who are “left with no choice but to dream smaller.”

Robredo herself has had to endure multiple sexist insults from President Rodrigo Duterte, who repeatedly belittles her capability to lead just because the Vice President is a woman.

Duterte would often insult Robredo due to her track record of spearheading programs for marginalized sectors before and during the COVID-19 crisis.

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The Vice President said the “sustained united effort of all” would help address the perennial challenges faced by women today.

“Because progress hinges not on the brilliance of a few, but in the sustained united effort of all. So as we honor the victories of those who came before, let us blaze new trails for others to follow,” Robredo said.

“Let us answer the calls to leadership, face the trials of our time with resolve, and strive towards a fairer, kinder, more humane world, where no one is left behind.” – Rappler.com