APEC Women and Economy Fora kicks off in Manila

The three-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Women and the Economy (APEC-WE) Fora opened in the Philippine capital of Metro Manila on Wednesday with the launching of a menu of policies that aim to address barriers that hinder women's productivity in the workplace and increase their participation in the economy.

The Healthy Women, Healthy Economies Policy Toolkit, which provides the initiative to promote the protection of women in the workplace, will be pilot-tested in the Philippines, said Philippine Department of Health Secretary Janette Garin, co-chair of the experts group that oversaw the drafting of the toolkit.

With the toolkit, it will be easier for governments and businesses in the Asia-Pacific region to introduce health policies that facilitate the participation of women in economies, opening the door to significant improvements in social mobility and growth across the region, she said.

The International Labor Organization has estimated that 1 billion women around the world could play a more active role in their economies.

This includes women in informal, vulnerable and unregulated employment, as well as women with disabilities and migrant women.

The Philippines will conclude its hosting of the APEC-WE Fora on Friday. Endi