President Marcos said one of the most fundamental measures of a nation’s progress is the status of its women.

President Marcos addresses the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Monday, March 9, 2026.

NEW YORK – President Marcos called on United Nations member-states on Monday, March 9, to remain united in confronting violence against women in all its forms, noting that the journey toward full equality around the world is far from complete.

Speaking at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN headquarters, Marcos said one of the most fundamental measures of a nation’s progress is the status of its women.

“We often speak of development in terms of economic growth, infrastructure, technology or trade. But there is a simpler and more human measure: how are the women doing?” the President said.

Marcos underscored the importance of global actions to fight violence against women, which he said “erodes dignity, weakens communities and undermines the very foundations of justice.”

Beyond laws and institutions, countries must also address the attitudes and assumptions that continue to limit women’s roles in many parts of the world, the President stressed.

“True equality requires not only policy change, but cultural change,” Marcos said. “Women must be present wherever decisions are made – in government, in business, in science, in diplomacy and in peacebuilding.”

“The Philippines 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,” he added.

Marcos cited Filipino women’s remarkable contributions as leaders in government, business, innovation, education, health and as the “steady strength” within families and communities.

“Their contributions continue to shape our democracy, our economy and our national character,” Marcos noted.

The Philippines, according to Marcos, has worked consistently to strengthen protections for women, expand opportunities for education and employment and promote women’s leadership across all sectors of society.

Despite this progress, he said much remains to be done to achieve full equality.

“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,” he said. “And that is why the work of this Commission remains as vital today as it was 70 years ago.”

Marcos also underscored the need to further invest in education and women’s economic empowerment.

“When a girl is educated, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. They strengthen families, uplift communities and expand the possibilities of entire nations,” the Chief Executive said.

“Economic empowerment is equally essential. Women must have access to employment, to finance, to entrepreneurship and to leadership… Societies that fully include women in economic life are not only more just – they are stronger, they are more resilient,” he added.

Bill versus VAWP filed

At the House of Representatives, 42 lawmakers, led by Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, filed a bill seeking to define and criminalize violence against women in politics (VAWP).

Iloilo lone district Rep. Julienne Baronda, Manila 3rd district Rep. Joel Chua and Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V joined De Lima in filing House Bill No. 8393.

“Under this bill, we aim to define and criminalize violence against women, establish protection and reporting mechanisms, require political parties to adopt safeguards against gender-based political violence and hold digital platforms accountable for addressing coordinated online abuse and gender disinformation targeting women leaders,” De Lima said.

The authors said that while women have long demonstrated leadership in public service, many continue to face fear and intimidation in the political arena. – With Delon Porcalla and Jose Rodel Clapano