The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women or UN Women, Philippines’ National Committee, held a membership meeting last Monday to get a consensus on the fate of UN Women organization in the Philippines.
UN Women was established by the United Nations to accelerate progress in championing the rights of women globally. The UN Member States work with governments and civil society to design laws, policies, programs and services needed to implement standards set behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of life focusing on five priority areas:
1. Increasing women’s leadership and participation. Our country is ahead of this goal. We’ve had two country Presidents, numerous senators, congresswomen, governors, mayors, and women occupying key positions in government and the public sector. Women are also corporate leaders and are given equal opportunities in the workplace.
2. ending violence against women
3. engaging women in all aspects of peace and security processes.
4. enhancing women’s economic empowerment. Again, our country is ahead. Women in our country run their own businesses and are actively contributing in our country’s economic progress.
5. making gender equality central to national development planning and budgeting.
Based on the UN’s new charter, the main function of UN Women National Committees worldwide would be to raise funds according to the UN System. Meaning, all the funds that would be raised must be sent to the UN and they have the sole authority of where to allocate the money. It would not mean that funds would be used for our country’s program, nor to women’s empowerment. Those making the decisions at the UN are actually men.
There were around 20 of us who deliberated on which direction to take. There was a general sentiment that we do not wish to be a fund raising body because that’s not our area of expertise. And it’s not only about raising funds or contributions. The UN decrees that we should hire a full time staff, auditor and bookkeeper to provide them accurate and timely quarterly audited financial reports. If I am not mistaken, the minimum amount we must remit annually must be US$250,000.00.
Lulu Sese looked so regal in her Filipiniana dress.
(left to right) Mabel Abano, Isabel Cu, Lulu Sese, Erlinda Panlilio
According to the report, our government is not helping or showing support to UN Women national committee, Philippines.
Maymay Liechtenstein (standing) with Carmita Francisco, Olivia Ferry, Herminia Fajardo, Erlinda Villanueva.
Atty. Lorna Kapunan emphasized that her surname is with a K.
I wanted to remove the cabbage patch floral centerpiece. Nice, but they block our faces. I couldn’t see the people on the other side of the table.
Group photo with guest entertainer Nanette Inventor
Our call time was 4 pm but we started at almost 6 pm.
Seafood
Refreshingly delicious sorbet with frozen fruit balls.
I left the Manila Polo club at 7:15 pm. I was actually feeling dizzy and tired. have been here since 4:30 pm.
