Equal rights, equal opportunities

An equal right, equal opportunities nowadays is progress for all. As the same for International Women’s Day this year: ‘Equal rights, equal opportunities:  Progress for all re- emphasizes that equal rights and opportunities lead to improved health outcomes for women and girls .

Discrimination towards women and girls, or what is known as gender based discrimination, is one of the most pervasive human rights violations. It severely limits the ability of women, girls and the communities they live in to protect and promote their health. Nowadays, the rights for women are as well the rights of men, even in the Philippines. But, not like other nations, equal rights are somewhat a marshmallow. Our laws regarding the abuse of women in the Philippines are not well-implemented.

The way forward: equal rights and equal opportunities for women and girls now gender-based discrimination is irrevocably connected to negative health outcomes for women sang girls. Its associated poor health outcomes are often compounder by other forms of inequality related to socio economic status, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation or geographical location.

But whatever reasons are, the truth is, gender equality is good for health. Our government has just to implement the law foe a better protection of women against abuse, whatever the cause.