Robredo calls for ‘real partnerships’ to boost gender equality
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Fri, 06 Sep 2019 05:37:04 +0000
VICE President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo asked the international business community in Canada to boost efforts in promoting gender inclusivity and women empowerment.
In her keynote address at the 13th Toronto Global Forum on Thursday evening, Robredo stressed that gender equality was not an easy advocacy because of “deep-seated cultural and societal biases” and “serious pro-male biases” in society.
“This is not an easy advocacy…but we need to commit to it because gender inclusion is not just about advancing women’s rights and empowering half of the world. Gender inclusion is, at its very core, about sustaining the whole world,” Robredo said.
“When women survive and find their path to a truly great life, the world thrives. And the ultimate expression of that is how economies are strengthened when women are empowered,” she said.
Robredo was among the leaders invited to speak at the forum organized by the International Economic Forum of the Americas (IEFA), which aims to cultivate a culture of information-sharing and promote open discussions on major economic issues. GLEE JALEA