9 SEC. 7. Participation and Representation. – The State shall undertake temporary special measures to accelerate the participation and representation of women in all spheres of society particularly in the decision-making and policy-making processes in government and private entities to fully realize their role as agents and beneficiaries of development. The State shall institute affirmative action mechanisms so that women can participate meaningfully in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of policies, plans and programs for national, regional and local development: (a) Empowerment Within the Civil Service. Within the next five (5) years, the number of women in third (3rd) level positions in government shall be increased to achieve a fifty-fifty (50-50) gender balance. (b) Development Councils and Planning Bodies. To ensure the participation of women in all levels of development planning and program implementation, at least forty percent (40%) of membership of all development councils from the regional, provincial, city, municipal and barangay levels shall be composed of women. (c) Other Policy and Decision-Making Bodies. Women’s groups shall also be represented in all international, national and local special and decisionmaking bodies. (d) International Bodies. The State shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that women, on equal terms with men and without any discrimination, get the opportunity to represent their government at the international level and to participate in the work of international organizations. (e) Integration of Women in Political Parties. The State shall provide incentives to political parties with a women’s agenda and with women comprising at least forty percent (40%) of their leadership and membership. It shall likewise encourage the integration of women in their internal policymaking structures, appointive and electoral nominating processes. (f) Private Sector. The State shall take measures to encourage women leadership in the private sector in the form of incentives.