Of equal concern must be the question of empowerment of women in society and in the economy. Once again, the Manila document quite rightly focuses on this issue. Since the majority of the population in most Asian countries live in rural areas, therefore, the strategies must focus on this segment of the population -- the marginalized, the under-served women living in the rural areas, it is no longer appropriate that much of our focus continues to be on the smaller, but relatively better off, living in urban centers. The role or the media in bringing to focus the often deplorable situation of women in rural areas has to be highlighted. None of these empowerment, education, and job opportunities can come to fruition if developmental resources are not made available. While many developing countries will continue to require external assistance, there must be sufficient momentum within countries to allocate developmental resources to this important area of family planning and reproductive health. The role of parliamentarians, at the national level, to bring up this complex interrelationship between population, status of women, maternal and child health and sustainable development cannot be over-emphasized. Parliamentarians have a unique and important role in taking forward clear strategies into implementable programs by ensuring that development resources are being made available.

In delivering programs, the role of non-governmental sector and in particular, organizations involved in sexual and reproductive health issues must be strengthened and encouraged even further. Therefore, the International Planned Parenthood Federation is particularly pleased to note that due recognition has been given to the close partnership between governmental machinery and non-governmental organizations in promoting opportunities for women, both In their own development. It is our view that the Manila document should be widely disseminated at national parliamentary forums so that there is an even greater awareness of the strategies required and the greater willingness to provide development resources for program implementation.

The Asian parliamentarians can be justifiably pleased at having systematically addressed this issue at "Women in the 21st Century", through the Manila resolution.

Thank you.

(Applause)



MR. TSUGUO HIROSE (APDA):

In this connection, we have had the honor of the presence of His Excellency, the President of the Philippines, and we have been given the wholehearted support of the peoples of the Philippines, as well as the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philip-pines.

It is my honor to introduce the Honorable Leticia Ramos-Shahani, Senate President Pro-Tempore, Republic of the Philippines.