LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Underrepresentation of women in the formulation and implementation of local health legislation affects gender responsive policies and programs in La Trinidad, Benguet.
A study conducted by Ann Heather Kiwang showed the evident absence of women in the formulation and enactment of health ordinances not only in the municipal council but also in the various opportunities or avenue for consultation in the legislation process.
A councillor said in an interview that the absence of women in the legislation process does not affect the performance of the municipal council and that women’s presence does not guarantee quality legislation.
The researcher cited that the issue is not the number of women alone, but their self-knowledge, confidence, clarity of purpose, priorities, commitment and ability to skilfully present their perspective
However, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) noted several health issues among women in the country. It pointed out maternal mortality and access to reproductive health care services as among the most pressing problems, with 11 women dying every day due to pregnancy and child-related cases.
According to Gurirab and Cayetano, national legislation are decided jointly by men and women, hence, there are no better persons to express and help address women’s concerns than the women themselves.
Interestingly, women are at the forefront of health care services delivery as shown by the survey conducted by the National Statistics Office Gender and Development Committee which found that more women are hired for health and social works.
Opportunities for women participation in local health legislation and implementation should be explored further by the local government units, and people’s organization can also be established to facilitate the drafting of more gender responsive health ordinances.
By Greson Darwin V. Bejar