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Bill on women's rights, gender education passes House 2nd reading


MANILA, Philippines - A pending bill on women's rights and gender education in the workplace gained ground in the House of Representatives as it passed second reading. The House of Representatives website said Monday House Bill 4374 underscores the role of employers and trade unions to help educate and inform workers. Principally authored by Reps. Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan of Gabriela Party-list, the bill aims to amend Article 210 of Presidential Decree 442, the Labor Code of the Philippines. The bill requires the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to jointly prescribe the regulations for such education programs. Such programs include women's rights and gender equality; and the rights, benefits, duties and responsibilities of workers. Employers and trade unions may seek the assistance of government instrumentalities, non-government organizations, labor groups, industry chambers, and other entities concerned with such activities. "This bill addresses the need for government to enforce the promotion and protection of women workers' rights, welfare and development and gender equality through education seminars in the workplace," Maza said. Maza lauded women's groups and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that tried to raise awareness about women's rights and gender equality to fight sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. But she said it is still the government that should be primarily responsible for women and gender equality education in conformity with the Constitution's mandate. "A country aware and enlightened on women's rights, welfare and development and gender equality is better equipped to promote and protect women, prevent crimes against women of all ages and eliminate gender and sex discrimination and inequality," Maza said. - GMANews.TV
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