Misogyny hounds Leni Robredo, Sara Duterte in Philippine campaign

Gender empowerment trumped by economic issues and COVID ahead of May 9 election

20220502 Leni Robredo and Sara Duterte-Carpio

Philippine vice president and presidential candidate Leni Robredo, left, and vice-presidential candidate Sara Duterte have come under misogynist attacks during the election campaign. (Source photos by Reuters)

FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writer

MANILA -- Patricia Licuanan has worn several hats in her career. In 1995, she chaired negotiations on the Beijing declaration, the U.N.'s blueprint for women's rights and empowerment. At home in the Philippines, she led one of the country's top women's universities, the Philippine Commission on Women, as well as the country's Commission on Higher Education.

Now retired from government service, she has taken on a new role as a campaign organizer. Along with more than 100 former and current PCW officials, Licuanan endorsed Vice President Leni Robredo, the country's de facto opposition leader and the only woman running for president in the May 9 election.

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