By: Emil John Manguerra, ACTS 

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) participated in the 10th World Conference on Women’s Studies (WCWS) held from May 30 to 31, 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event provided an opportunity to share ideas, create new partnerships, and develop creative solutions to address global challenges through various interactive sessions. 

Ms. Ramidette G. Bernal of the Office of the Secretary represented the DBM in a series of discussions and presentations led by global champions of gender empowerment. Sessions focused on issues such as cybercrimes, bias, the digital gender divide and discrimination, women’s leadership, and human rights.  

The country’s participation in the said forum demonstrated its commitment to gender equality, strengthened its advocacy efforts, and increased its visibility as a proactive player in eradicating global gender issues. 

“WCWS 2024 provided the DBM and the Philippines with vital opportunities to learn, collaborate, and align their gender equality goals with global best practices, enhancing their efforts to promote and integrate gender-inclusive policy approaches,” she said. 

While the Philippines continues to advance its efforts to fully empower gender and development, Ms. Bernal advocates that “it is high time the government shifts its lens and use the Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion Framework, a more inclusive framework now seen as a crucial aspect of global development that acknowledges the significance of advocating for equality, intersectionality and tackling social injustices to accomplish sustainable development.”  

She also urges the government to implement a multifaceted approach, focusing on legislative reforms, economic empowerment, and cultural change.