President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed into law Friday the Magna Carta for women, a move considered a landmark victory by women's rights groups in the country, reports GMANews.tv. Republic Act 9710 prohibits the discrimination against women, protects their rights and ensures the equitable participation and representation of women in government, political parties, international bodies, civil service and the private sector.
Gabriela women's party-list Rep. Liza Maza said, "After all the attempts to block the passage of the Magna Carta of Women, the Filipino women have finally emerged victorious. This is a by-product of women's continuous struggle for equality and serves as a gateway in support to women's legitimate concerns." Maza was a member of the bicameral conference committee on the law a co-authored of the House version of the measure. However, Maza, who wore an anti-Arroyo handpainted terno at the latter's State of the Nation Address last month, did not attend the signing ceremony.
To read the highlights of the Magna Carta for women, click here.
