PRESIDENT Rodrigo has pledged to empower women by promoting their participation in all areas and sectors in the country through various initiatives.

Duterte made the vow, in time for the celebration of International Women's Day Friday, March 8.

In a message, the President guaranteed the full implementation of Magna Carta of Women, a comprehensive women's human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination against women.

"I join the Filipino people in celebrating International Women's Day," Duterte said.

"This important occasion reminds us all to pave the way for an enabling environment for women to be empowered and to make sure that the Magna Carta for Women is properly implemented at all levels of government," he added.

Duterte was hopeful that the observation of International Women's Day would encourage the government, the private sector, and civic organizations to promote women empowerment.

He said it was his administration's "firm commitment" to ensure women's greater participation in our society.

"Together, let us work in solidarity with all appropriate institutions to address the strategic needs of women and recognize their innumerable contributions to society," the Chief Executive said.

"We must also create and facilitate platforms to discuss best practices, gaps and challenges in pursuing gender and development in local government units all over the country," he added.

Duterte stressed that empowering women would also promote gender equality in the country.

"In this manner, we can promote gender equality and put in place functional mechanisms that ensure that any development effort would be inclusive and gender responsive," he said. (SunStar Philippines)