SEN. Loren Legarda urged legislators around the world to push laws that promote the women, peace and security agenda to eliminate barriers that prevent women from shaping their future.
Legarda made the appeal on Oct. 29 during the parliamentary roundtable at the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security hosted by the Philippines.
She underscored the key role lawmakers play in promoting gender equality, and advocated for women's leadership in making the world more inclusive, humane, peaceful and resilient.
"In my almost three decades of legislative experience, I have realized that the road towards addressing the unique needs of women in conflict areas requires practical measures, in terms of resources and financing, and gender-responsive policies," Legarda said in a speech.
"This is what this conference is all about. It is about enriching and expanding our appreciation and understanding of the many ways we are all championing the rights and well-being of women and empowering them in all aspects of their participation in our societies, including as leaders in peace and security," she said.
She said the United Nations Security Council adopted in 2000 Resolution 1325 to highlight the critical role women play in conflict prevention, peace-building, and post-conflict reconstruction.
"With focused legislation that promotes gender equality and gender-responsive budgeting, we can build better foundations for women's leadership in conflict prevention, resolution, and recovery," Legarda said.
She said lawmakers "have the responsibility not only to create these enabling legal frameworks but also to ensure their sustained implementation, and to amplify this commitment nationally, regionally and globally."
Legarda championed landmark laws advancing women's rights and welfare including the Southeast Asia's first Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the Magna Carta of Women, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law, and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Law, which bolsters rural livelihoods largely managed by women.