REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President of Philippines, Benigno S Aquino III underscored the importance of empowering women to advance inclusive growth across the Asia Pacific in remarks to economic development and gender officials and private sector representatives convened in Manila to move the region towards these objectives. He opened the APEC Public Private Dialogue on Women and the Economy, setting the tone for the proceedings to flesh out new policies for boosting women’s participation in APEC member economies—part of a cluster of APEC Women and the Economy fora meetings here this week to put words into action.

“Our goal is to have an inclusive economy. We are here to express our collective belief that harnessing the talents and potential of all women can bring about inclusive progress sooner rather than later,” President Aquino explained.

He pointed to examples of the significant role women have played in the Philippines’ economic and social development, particularly as drivers of entrepreneurship that has underpinned the archipelago’s robust growth in recent years.

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, 54 percent of all registered trade names are owned by women. The Asian Institute of Management also conducted a survey that revealed that about 63 per cent of managers and owners of businesses are women. One major sector they are involved in are micro, small, and medium enterprises, which accounts for 63.7 per cent of our total employment.

President Aquino described steps being taken in the Philippines to lower gender barriers, with progress reflected in its position as Asia’s leader in closing the gender gap, according to a World Economic Forum index. He further called upon governments and businesses in the Asia-Pacific to deepen collaboration to institute policies that enable women to take advantage of new economic opportunities and improve communities as the region becomes more integrated.

“Make no mistake. Our performance in this index will not stop us from pursuing even more progress,” he said.

Women still face a number of pressing issues and the issue of gender equality calls for continuous reflection and corresponding action. For this reason, Acquino said that they must always approach jobs, and even smallest interactions with people, with the empathy, consideration and respect necessary to create a truly inclusive society.

“The Philippines will remain your partner in expanding opportunities for women, and I am hopeful that your discussions today will continue to move us closer to a world where no one is left behind,” he concluded.

Policy solutions put forward by officials and the private sector will be considered by Economic Development and Gender Ministers and senior representatives from business and civil society during the APEC High Level Dialogue on Women and the Economy in Manila on Friday to set the region’s agenda for action.

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