THE government and the private sector will do well to implement development programs for women to alleviate poverty and prevent malnutrition, Senator Grace Poe said Sunday.
She made the call following the release of a Food and Agriculture Organization report saying gender-sensitive programs could produce better results for food security and better nutrition.
“Women are usually the ones who have to manage the household budget and, more often than not, they will prioritize the needs and welfare of family members, especially their children,” said Poe, a leading candidate for President in next year’s elections.
“When women have access to income, they will surely put food on the table,” she said.
Poe reiterated the need to protect the rights of marginalized sectors, to provide equal opportunities for livelihood and social services like education and health, and to create more programs and services to alleviate poverty all over the country.
She said the government should intensify programs on disaster rehabilitation so that affected families and communities could recover quickly.
“This is why we are proposing the creation of a permanent and dedicated agency for disaster risk reduction and management,” Poe said.