Philippine Envoy Advocates Stronger Gender Policies, Commends Nigeria’s Inclusion Efforts
Oru Leonard
The Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor, has called for stronger institutional frameworks and legislative measures to promote gender equality, describing gender mainstreaming as an ongoing process essential for inclusive governance and national development.
Ambassador Mellejor made the call during a dialogue session organised under the Female Legislative Mentorship Initiative on Parliamentary Affairs and Diplomacy, held at the Philippine Embassy in Abuja.
The session, which focused on the theme, “Women at the Table: The Philippine Gender and Development (GAD) Framework for Inclusive Governance, Diplomacy, and Peace,” brought together officials from the Directorate of Parliamentary Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic representatives and other stakeholders.
Speaking on the Philippine experience, Mellejor explained that his country has developed accountability mechanisms requiring government institutions to integrate gender considerations into their programmes, with budgetary implications for non-compliance.
“In the Philippines, we have parameters in place that carry direct budget implications for government agencies. Failure to implement gender mainstreaming directly impacts an agency’s budgetary allocation,” he said.
The envoy also highlighted the Philippine Safe Spaces Act, which provides legal protection against gender-based harassment and abuse in public spaces and workplaces, allowing legal action to be initiated to protect victims.
Mellejor praised Nigeria’s progress in advancing gender inclusion despite its diverse socio-cultural environment, urging the country to see diversity as a strength and a foundation for unity.
“As an outsider, I am very encouraged by where Nigeria is in terms of gender mainstreaming. You are on the right path,” he said, adding that Nigeria’s population of over 230 million people presents significant opportunities for inclusive growth.
He noted that Nigeria’s youthful and technology-driven population offers enormous potential, especially in the creative economy, and could further strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the Philippines.
The mentorship programme provided an opportunity for participants to discuss gender-responsive legislation, women’s leadership, diplomacy and peacebuilding strategies.
Members of the Philippine diplomatic team, including Vice-Consul Norman and Vice-Consul Yate, shared experiences from the embassy’s Gender and Development initiatives both locally and internationally.
The ambassador expressed optimism that future collaboration between the Philippine Embassy, the Nigerian National Assembly and civil society organisations would deepen engagement on gender equality, leadership and sustainable development.
