EU, Austria champion gender equality in PH

GENDER CHAMPION. Austrian Ambassador Bita Rasoulian delivers a speech as the 2020 EU Gender Champion in the Philippines during the EU Gender Champion presentation in Makati on Monday night (March 2, 2020). The envoy vowed to actively engage partners and stakeholders in the Philippines on the promotion of gender equality and women’s rights. (Photo by Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MANILA – The European Union (EU) is launching a number of activities for the Women’s Month with Austrian Ambassador to the Philippines Bita Rasoulian leading the campaign as this year’s EU Gender Champion in the Philippines.

As the designated EU Gender Champion, Rasoulian will spearhead engagement with partners and stakeholders advocating an equitable and inclusive society in the country.

“My goal is to work hand-in-hand with EU as partners and stakeholders and in close alignment of the priorities of the Philippine government and the needs of the Filipino people so that we can strengthen dialogue and create new partnerships towards a more equitable and inclusive society,” she said in a speech during the EU Gender Champion presentation in Makati on Monday night.

On March 5, the Austrian Embassy will co-present with SPARK! Philippines the 2020 Women Summit in Taguig.

The EU will also host a seminar for Filipino journalists towards a gender-fair, inclusive, and empowering Philippine media on March 16-17.

Rafael de Bustamante, first counselor of the EU Delegation in Manila, affirmed the bloc’s “full and unwavering commitment” to achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) that includes the promotion of women and girls’ full enjoyment of all human rights.

He cited the EU Gender Action Plan as a tool for the bloc to effectively deliver its commitment to gender equality.

“The EU Gender Action Plan is a key to achieving the SDGs by aligning the efforts of EU member states towards this end… Gender equality is and will remain an important priority for the years to come,” he said.