The Philippines celebrates National Women’s Month every March of the year. This observance is deeply rooted in the global commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, a tradition born from the early 20th-century activism of women advocating for labor rights and gender equality.
In the Philippines, the National Women’s Month Celebration has grown into a significant platform for celebrating women’s achievements while addressing critical issues concerning women’s empowerment and gender equality. Anchored in international and national frameworks, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Beijing Platform for Action, the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (1995-2025), and the Sustainable Development Goals, this month-long celebration highlights the critical role of women in nation-building.
Through various programs, campaigns, and activities, the observance fosters greater awareness of women’s rights, recognizes their contributions across all sectors, and calls for action to dismantle barriers to gender equality. The National Women’s Month Celebration in the Philippines not only honors the historical roots of women’s advocacy but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey toward a just and inclusive society for all.
2023-2028 NWMC Theme
From 2023 to 2028, the multi-year theme of the National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) campaign “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society”. It serves as both a positive affirmation and a call to action, renewing the commitment to advocacy. Building on the successes of the 2016-2022 theme, “WE Make CHANGE Work for Women,” this recurring theme highlights the ongoing need for compassionate, unified networks to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE).
The banner not only represents a statement of progress but also serves as a powerful call for sustained action. It symbolizes the milestones achieved in narrowing gender gaps in the Philippines, while rallying broader support for the advocacy. According to the 2024 Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Philippines remains the most gender-equal country in Asia. However, a recent drop in the ranking, from 16th to 25th place, highlights areas that need urgent attention.
The Philippines has achieved 77.9% gender parity, with Educational Attainment reaching full parity. The country maintains a strong performance in Health and Survival, scoring 96.8%, consistent with2023, and ranks first in Healthy Life Expectancy with a score of 106%. However, Economic Participation has declined to 77.5%, marking a 1.4 percentage point drop from 2023, while Political Empowerment remains stagnant at 46.2%, showing no progress. The Global Gender Gap Index evaluates gender equality across four critical dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Political Empowerment, and Health and Survival.
The recurring theme is also aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which envisions “deep economic and social transformation to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on a high-growth path.” The plan underscores the importance of inclusive growth, aiming to foster an environment that provides equal opportunities for all Filipinos and equips them with the skills necessary to actively participate in a globally competitive economy. Visit the official website of the Philippine Commission on Women, for more information.
- PH Embassy Kicks off Women’s Month Celebration, Organizes First Responder to Sexual Assault and Harassment Training for Embassy Personnel
- AIDHA Celebrates International Women’s Day with Campus Inauguration at the Catapult
- PH Embassy in Singapore Celebrates International Women’s Day
- Participants in the National Women’s Month Photo Contest Receive Certificates and Prizes from Ambassador Macaraig
