Empowering women justice leaders ensures fairness and equality for all members of society. 

This was emphasized by Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" F. Pangandaman during her attendance at the 2024 Asia and the Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) in Cebu City. 

“As you know, more than half, or 55 percent of the nearly 2,000 judges in the lower courts are women. Just imagine how the country would benefit if we had more female magistrates in the Supreme Court. By advancing and empowering women justice leaders, we can be assured that justice is better served for the benefit of all. And that all members of society are met with fairness and equality before the law,” Sec. Pangandaman said.

In her speech, Secretary Pangandaman emphasized her advocacy of championing gender equality and women's empowerment across all aspects of society.

“Women’s empowerment is a subject close to my heart. And it is especially personal for me being the lone female member of the economic team of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., the first Muslim Budget Secretary, and the second woman to hold this position. Thus, it has been my advocacy to promote and implement crucial initiatives aimed at achieving gender equality,” according to the Budget chief.