12 November 2008 - The National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), the government's machinery for women's advancement, is proud to have maintained its 6th rank in the Gender Gap Index conducted by the Swiss-based World Economic Forum.

The Philippines is maintaining its rank way above most developed countries since the first survey undertaken in 2005. The Global Gender Gap Index examines the gap between women and men in four fundamental categories: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, political empowerment, and health and survival.

This is the third year that the Philippines has ranked 6th in the Global Gender Gap Index which covered 130 countries. The Philippines has made significant progress in closing the gender gap through the implementation of gender-responsive laws, policies and programs for women's empowerment and gender equality.

Gender equality is an integral factor for the future generation. Its importance is spelled out in the Millennium Development Goals that serve as a framework to reduce hunger and poverty. The Philippine Government through the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women will continue with its efforts to close gender disparity in the Philippines.