By Gloria Ikibah
The Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor, has called for stronger institutional structures and legislative frameworks to guarantee gender equality, describing gender mainstreaming as an ongoing process that must remain at the heart of governance.
The ambassador made the call during a dialogue session organised under the Female Legislative Mentorship Initiative on Parliamentary Affairs and Diplomacy at the Philippine Embassy in Abuja. 
The session, themed “Women at the Table: The Philippine Gender and Development (GAD) Framework for Inclusive Governance, Diplomacy, and Peace,” brought together officials from the Directorate of Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic community.
Speaking during the event, Mellejor outlined the Philippines’ approach to gender inclusion, explaining how the country’s legal and institutional frameworks compel both public and private institutions to prioritise gender-responsive policies.
“In the Philippines, we have parameters in place that carry direct budget implications for government agencies.
“Failure to implement gender mainstreaming directly impacts an agency’s budgetary allocation, serving as a firm measure to force compliance,” Mellejor said.
The envoy explained that the Philippine model goes beyond policy declarations by tying compliance to funding, thereby ensuring that government institutions take gender issues seriously.
He also highlighted the country’s Safe Spaces Act, which criminalises gender-based harassment and abuse in both public places and workplaces.
According to him, the law empowers not only victims but also third parties to initiate legal action in cases involving gender-based violations.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s efforts to promote gender equality, Mellejor commended the progress already made despite the country’s social and cultural complexities.
“As an outsider, I am very encouraged by where Nigeria is in terms of gender initiatives.
“Nigeria is a diverse nation of over 230 million people, but based on the Philippine experience, diversity should not be a source of weakness; it is a vital generator of unity,” he said.
He also pointed to Nigeria’s youthful population as one of its greatest assets, noting that the country’s growing digital and technology-driven workforce presents enormous opportunities for economic growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s expanding creative and technology sectors could serve as important areas for deeper collaboration between both countries.
The mentorship session provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas on gender-responsive legislation, women’s participation in leadership and peacebuilding strategies.
Members of the Philippine diplomatic mission, including Vice-Consul Norman and Vice-Consul Yate, also shared insights into the embassy’s Gender and Development programmes and how they have been implemented in both domestic and international engagements.
Mellejor expressed optimism that the discussions will lead to stronger institutional partnerships between the Philippine Embassy, National Assembly and civil society organisations.
He said sustained collaboration will help deepen diplomatic engagement and strengthen efforts to advance gender equality through legislation and public policy.
