In the Philippines, women still have a long way to go towards equal representation in positions of power, but it’s good to know that we’re on the right track.
Philippine Ambassador Rosario G. Manalo won a seat in the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in the elections held yesterday, Jun 22, at the United Nations Headquarters.
It is a testament of how far Filipinos have gone in advocating for women’s rights.
Ambassador Manalo was among 25 candidates vying for 11 seats in CEDAW for the term 2017-2020.
As one of the Philippines’ most accomplished diplomats, she has a remarkable 57-year record of service in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Her numerous achievements include serving as Chairperson of CEDAW in 2005-2006 and the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in 1984-1986.
“The human condition and the human spirit of the women in this lovely corner of the world will have to cross, sooner than later, to achieve a better life for the people of Southeast Asia. Let us in the Philippines start this journey and lead ASEAN to greater heights in peace, in equality, in prosperity and in the exercise of social justice,” Ambassador Manalo said.
The other 10 candidates who also won a seat in CEDAW were from Bahamas, China, France, Ghana, Lebanon, Lithuania, Mauritania, Nepal, Nigeria, and Norway.
“CEDAW is a body of independent experts that monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
“The Convention, adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women.
“It defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for action to end such discrimination,” notes the Department of Foreign Affairs website.
