Senator Loren Legarda on Tuesday emphasized gender equality and advocated for women’s leadership in making the world more inclusive, humane, peaceful, and resilient.

In her opening message at the International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security (ICWPS), Legarda highlighted the important role lawmakers play in driving the transformation.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, the Philippines is hosting the three-day ICWPS at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on Oct. 28 to 30.

Adopted in 2000, Resolution 1325 recognizes women’s critical role in conflict prevention, peace-building, and post-conflict reconstruction, emphasizing their equal and active participation in sustaining peace and security.

With 90 ministers and 158 senior officials and delegates from around the world present, Legarda expressed hopes that legislators can collectively champion Women, Peace, and Security initiatives to eliminate barriers that prevent women from shaping their futures globally.

“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,” she said.

“As lawmakers, we 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 said.

The Philippines has stood firm in its role as a global gender champion, with Legarda helping pave the way in the passage of landmark legislation advancing women’s rights and welfare.

These include the Southeast Asia’s first Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act; its expanded version, the Magna Carta of Women; Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act; 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law; and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises law, which bolsters rural livelihoods largely managed by women.

Additionally, the Climate Change Act, which she authored, mandates female representation in the Climate Change Commission to ensure gender-responsive climate policies. (PNA)