Vice President Leni Robredo was honored this week by the Thai government when she was named as an “honorary outstanding woman.” The honor was given for the vice president’s “dedication for women in her country to improve women’s rights and gender equality, including overcoming barriers to be a successful ASEAN woman leader.”
Before becoming a representative for Camarines Sur and later the vice president of the Philippines, Robredo was a human rights lawyer who defended battered wives in marginalized sectors. As a member of the House Committee on Women and Gender Quality, she promoted the anti-discrimination bill. She later filed the National Food Security Bill, which hopes to help mothers feed their children.
Earlier this year, it was announced that the Philippines ranks second in the list of countries with the most number of female business leaders. A separate report ranked the Philippines third in Asia and 17th in the world in terms of the influence of women in politics.
Robredo was awarded by Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who represented her mother, Queen Sirikit, at a ceremony in Nonthaburi Province on Monday, which was celebrated as Thai Women’s Day. It also coincides with the 84th birthday of Queen Sikirit and the 70th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
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