3 and other support services such as financing, production and marketing to encourage active participation of women in national development. CHAPTER II DEFINITION OF TERMS SEC. 3. Definitions. – For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall mean: (a) “Women empowerment” refers to the provision, availability and accessibility of opportunities and services, and observance of human rights which enable women to actively participate and contribute to the political, economic, social and cultural development of the nation as well as those which shall provide them equal access to ownership, management and control of production, and of material and informational resources and benefits in the family, community and society. (b) “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. (c) “Marginalization” refers to a condition where a whole category of people is excluded from useful participation in political, economic, social and cultural life. (d) “Marginalized” refers to the basic, disadvantaged or vulnerable persons or groups who are mostly living in poverty and have little or no access to land and resources, basic social and economic services such as health care, education, water and sanitation, employment and livelihood opportunities, housing, social security, physical infrastructure and justice system. These include women who may be the following: (1) “Small farmers and rural workers” refers to those who are engaged directly or indirectly in small farms and forest areas, workers in commercial