contribute to the developmentand upliftment of their families and communities to thefullest of their capabilities. In pursuanceofthis policy, the State reaffirms the right of women inall sectors to participate in policy formulation, planning, organization, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluationofall programs, projects and services. It shall support policies, researches, technology, and training programsandother support services such asfinancing, production, and marketing to encourage active participation of womenin national development. Principles of Human Rights of Women — Humanrightsare universal andinalienable. All people in the world are entitled to them. The universality of human rights is encompassedinArticle 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) whichstates that all human beingsare free and equalin dignity and rights. Human rightsare indivisible. Human rights are inherent to the dignity of every human being whethertheyrelate tocivil, cultural, economic,political, or social issues. Humanrights are interdependent andinterrelated. Thefulfillment of one right often depends, wholly orin part, upon the fulfillment of others. All individuals are equal as humanbeings by virtue of the inherent dignity of each human person. No one,therefore, should suffer discrimination on the basis ofethnicity, gender, age, language, sexual orientation,race,color, religion, political, or other opinion, national, social, or geographical origin, disability, property, birth, or other status as established by human rights standards. All people have the right to participate in and access informationrelating to the decisionmaking processes thataffect their lives and well-being. Rights-based approaches require a high degree of participation of communities, civil society, minorities, women, young people, indigenous peoples, and otheridentified groups. States and other duty-bearers are answerable for the observance of human rights. They have to comply with the legal norms and standards enshrinedin international human rights instruments in accordance with the Philippine Constitution. Whentheyfail to do so, aggrieved rights-holdersare entitled to institute proceedings for appropriate redress before a competent court or other adjudicatorin accordance with the rules and procedures provided by law. Rule Il: Definition of Terms Definition of Terms — As used in these Rules and Regulations, the following terms peed shall mean: A. “Affirmative Action" refers to a policy action that favors marginalized groupsin society, such as women. Whileit is a special measure, it is not considered discriminatory since it aims to accelerate the attainment of equality of women. Affirmative action should not result in unequal or separate standards and mustbe discontinued whenthe objectives of equality of opportunity and treatment have been achieved; B. “Audit of GAD Funds"refers to a comprehensive audit of a government agency's policies, fund programs, projects and activities focusing on the area of gender and development to determine economy,efficiency, and effectivenessofinterventions in addressing gender issues; C. “Discrimination Against Women"refers to any gender-based distinction, exclusion, or restriction which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment, or exercise by women,irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic,social, cultural, civil, or any other field. It includes any act or omission, including 45