Phl best place for women - Newsweek

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is grateful for a Newsweek article ranking the Philippines 17th out of 165 countries as the best place for women.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Palace was “heartened” to read a recently published Newsweek article titled “The Best and Worst Places for Women,” citing the Philippines as the top country in Asia “that offers women the most expansive rights and the best quality of life. “

“Of the 165 countries, the Philippines ranked 17th, and is the only Asian country to be included in the top 20. Garnering an overall score of 86.3 out of 100, our country scored highest in the areas of education (92.2), economics (89.1), and justice (88.4),” Lacierda said.

“This is an affirmation of the respect our culture has always accorded to Filipino women – one that manifests itself as well in our government’s efforts to promote equal gender opportunities in all spheres of public policies and programs,” he said.

“Rest assured, our administration remains committed in advancing the quality of life of all Filipinos from all walks of life.”

The Top 20 countries for women, according to the article, are Iceland, Sweden, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, Norway, United States, Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, France, Luxemburg, Portugal, Macedonia, Moldova, Philippines, Belgium, United Kingdom, and Romania.