The Philippines has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to supporting the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in promoting gender equality and empowering women. This pledge was made during the Joint Meeting of the Reconvened 67th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND67) and the Reconvened 33rd Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ33) held at the Vienna International Centre.
At the meeting, Ambassador Evangelina A. Bernas, the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organisations in Vienna, took the opportunity to highlight the country’s strong advocacy for women’s rights. As Co-Chair of the UNODC’s Group of Friends on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, she delivered a statement focused on the importance of empowering women in line with the Philippines’ ongoing support for gender equality.
Ambassador Bernas praised the efforts of the UNODC in fostering a more inclusive environment for women within the organisation. She acknowledged initiatives such as flexible working arrangements, parental and special leaves for childcare, and breastfeeding policies as vital measures that benefit women and their families. She also highlighted programs like the Early Career Initiative for Women and gender-responsive leadership training, commending their positive impact. However, she stressed the need for further action to ensure greater career advancement opportunities for women within the organisation.
“We remain concerned that gender parity targets have not been met at all levels, as reflected in the report. The Philippines acknowledges the difficulty of this task and encourages UNODC to double its efforts in order to reach its target,” Ambassador Bernas stated.
In addition, the Ambassador expressed her appreciation for UNODC’s expanded initiatives to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment. She made it clear that such behaviour is unacceptable, underscoring that “Sexual harassment has no place in this organisation or any other,” reinforcing the need for continued vigilance and action.
