The planet cannot be repaired if gender inequalities persist--UN Philippines chief

Message of the UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines, Mr. Gustavo Gonzalez, for the Virtual Media Launch of “Here for Her,” a UNFPA initiative, on 8 March 2022

Today, we celebrate International Women’s Day with the theme, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.”  To achieve our developmental goals, we must not leave behind half of the world’s population: women and girls.

Climate change is not gender-neutral. It impacts the most vulnerable and marginalized: most women and girls. During a disaster, pregnant women cannot access maternal health care and safe childbirth because hospitals are damaged and areas have strained healthcare systems. Gender-based violence cases go up. Women and girls face unequal access to services and economic opportunities. Rural women increasingly face the challenge of adapting their production systems to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.

In addition, gender-specific climate change adaptation and mitigation requirements are seldom integrated into the design of climate change management interventions.

The good news is -- the solution to climate change is readily accessible. We need to hear from those affected the most and learn from their experiences and ideas. 

We need to recognize the importance of the involvement of women and their valuable contributions to mitigating, adapting and responding to climate change. We must ensure women both gain skills and opportunities to lead. We call on everyone to ensure that women are central to the climate change discussion process at all levels, 

This International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month, the United Nations in the Philippines, along with our partners, calls for the full participation of women and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of political and economic decision-making. Under our Socioeconomic and Peacebuilding Framework for COVID-19 Recovery in the Philippines, which is the UN’s roadmap for its work in the Philippines, the UN is already assisting the Philippine government in this regard by building institutional capacities for the promotion of green resilient industries and through the adoption of cleaner production technologies, resource efficient methodologies, environmentally-sound waste management practices, recycling approaches, and energy transition strategies.

I am honored to be part of this project of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, which is the United Nations lead agency for promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights. When women and girls can access information and services about their health and rights, they reach their full potential and become empowered to decide on their future. They become productive members of communities and society. Supporting and encouraging them to fulfill their dreams can pay dividends for generations.

The planet cannot be repaired if gender inequalities persist. When all voices are heard, everybody benefits.

Let’s have gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow. Let’s hear from UNFPA how we can all be #HereforHer.

A Happy International Women’s Day to all of you. Maraming Salamat po.