Marcos: Women must be present wherever decisions are made
Published Mar 10, 2026 12:48 am
Overcoming great challenges will not be possible if half of humanity is excluded from shaping solutions.
This was what President Marcos told world leaders during the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, emphasizing that women must be present where decisions are made.
"We cannot hope to solve the great challenges of our time if half of our humanity is excluded from shaping those solutions," Marcos said in his speech during the session on Monday, March 10.
"Women must be present wherever decisions are made – in government, in business, in science, in diplomacy, and in peacebuilding," he stressed.
The President said that societies that fully include women in economic life are stronger and more resilient.
Equality 'far from complete'
Marcos recognized that even up to this day, equality is far from complete.
The Philippines, he said, continues to believe that "empowering women is not merely a matter of fairness — it is a cornerstone of nation-building."
He added that Filipina women have always stood at the center of the country's national life— as leaders in government and business, innovators, educators, health workers, entrepreneurs, and as the steady strength within families and communities.
"Their contributions continue to shape our democracy, our economy, and our national character," Marcos said.
He further said that the country has worked consistently to strengthen protections for women, expand opportunities for education and employment, and promote women’s leadership across all sectors of society.
"But even as we take pride in this progress, we recognize that the journey toward full equality — both in our country and around the world — is far from complete," Marcos acknowledged.
"Across many societies, women still face barriers that limit their opportunities. Too many continue to experience discrimination and violence. Too many girls are still denied the education that will allow them to shape their own futures," the President added.
He underscored that nations must remain united in confronting violence against women in all its forms, stressing that "violence erodes dignity, weakens communities, and undermines the very foundations of our justice."
The President also called on nations to address the "attitudes and assumptions that continue to limit women’s roles in many parts of the world."
"True equality requires not only policy change, but cultural change," he said.
The Philippines, Marcos said, stands ready to work with all nations to advance this cause.
"Because when women rise, societies rise with them. When women lead, nations move forward.
"And when every girl – no matter where she is born – can stand with confidence and say that her future is truly her own, and then we will know that we have built not only a more equal world...but a better one for all of humanity," he said.
The Chief Executive further stressed that If women are educated, safe, able to work, able to lead, able to decide the course of their own lives — then a society is moving forward.