The usual mindset that a man is the only breadwinner in a family is already “obsolete,” so said Sen. Cynthia Villar. “I believe that when we empower women, we also empower families, the society and generations of people, who will contribute towards nation-building,” Villar said. Villar pointed this out in her speech at the 18th Provincial Women’s Summit held in Bukidnon. The summit’s theme for this year is “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.” The senator said she believes that nowadays equality and women empowerment is not just about protecting women from violence and other forms of abuses but also giving them a chance to earn and provide for the needs of their family. "During these times, women are equal of men and are considered vital contributors to economic growth and in building an inclusive society," said Villar. "Needless to say, economically empowered women can augment their family’s income, contribute for food on the table, and help raise and sendtheir children to school. And these well-raised and educated children will then be the future and welcome assets of our nation," she added. Villar said the country already has existing laws that promote the rights and welfare of women, such as Republic Act No. 11313  or the Safe Spaces Act or Bawal Bastos Law; RA 9710  or the Magna Carta of Women; RA 11210 or the Expanded Maternity Leave Law; RA 6725 or the Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women; RA 6725; RA 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, and  RA 7882 or the Act Providing Assistance to Women in Micro and Cottage Business Enterprises. The Philippines also have RA 7877  or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995;  RA 8353, the Anti-Rape Law of 1997; the RA 8505  or Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998 and  RA 6949 or the National Women's Day Act that declares March 8 every year a “special working holiday.” A known advocate of women empowerment, Villar proudly shared that women are a “dominant force” in all the livelihood enterprises she had established. She also said women are among the leading enrollees in their farms schools and are interested to acquire new knowledge and skills on farming.