Manila 6th best mega city for women

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday welcomed the results of a Thompson Reuters Foundation poll suggesting that Manila is a relatively safe city for women.

Manila ranked 14th out of 19 areas covered by the poll, which was based on four indicators namely sexual violence, access to healthcare, cultural practices and economic opportunities.

London was declared the safest mega city for women, followed by Tokyo and Paris. Cairo was the most dangerous mega city for women, according to the poll.

Thompson Reuters assessed the 19 cities on a scale of 1 to 19 for each indicator, with 1 being the worst and 19 being the best.

Manila scored 13 in sexual violence, 10 in healthcare access, 13 in cultural practices and 17 in economic opportunities.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the poll results reflected the Duterte administration’s commitment to promote the welfare of women.

“We welcome the good news that Manila is named sixth best megacity for women out of 19 of the world’s biggest megacities in the Thomson Reuters Foundation survey,” Abella said.

“Indeed, this assures the public that the Duterte administration is serious in upholding the welfare of Filipino women,” he added.

Abella said Duterte has ordered the full implementation of the Magna Carta of Women, which recognizes, protects, fulfills and promotes the rights of Filipino women, especially those in the marginalized sector.

He said the law also covered reproductive health services, campaign against violence and access to education and employment.