Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III told about steps being taken in the Philippines to lower gender barriers

Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the importance of empowering women to advance inclusive growth across the Asia-Pacific in his opening remarks to the APEC Public-Private Dialogue on Women and the Economy on September 17, 2015.
President Aquino pointed to examples of the significant role women have played in the Philippines’ economic and social development, particularly as drivers of entrepreneurship.
“According to the Department of Trade and Industry, 54 percent of all registered trade names are owned by women,” President Aquino noted. “The Asian Institute of Management also conducted a survey that revealed that about 63 per cent of managers and owners of businesses are women. One major sector they are involved in are micro, small, and medium enterprises, which accounts for 63.7 per cent of our total employment."
President Aquino described steps being taken in the Philippines to lower gender barriers, with progress reflected in its position as Asia’s leader in closing the gender gap, according to a World Economic Forum index. He further called upon governments and businesses in the Asia-Pacific to deepen collaboration to institute policies that enable women to take advantage of new economic opportunities and improve communities as the region becomes more integrated.
According to President Aquino, “Philippines` performance in the index will not stop the country from pursuing even more progress”.
Press-release at the official APEC web-site