NATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH

Societies across the globe have recognized the indispensable role and contribution of women in shaping history, labor, traditions, culture, and progress. One significant milestone that was greatly acknowledged and recognized thereof is the National Women's Month every month of March.

National Women's Month, which originated from International Women's Day (IWD), can be traced back to the early 20th century is celebrated every 8th of March, then grew out of a weeklong celebration organized in California in 1978, which became the commencement of the mobilization of greater rights and recognition of women. Between 1909 and 1911, working women in the United States protested against low wages, lack of protective legislation, and harsh working conditions. This movement spread out to Europe, Russia, and here in the Philippines.

In our country, National Women's Month has become a platform to give emphasis not only to women's accomplishments but also to address emerging and ongoing issues related to women's empowerment and gender equality. In fact, the Philippines mandated several decrees as a legal bases of National Women's Month whereas:

Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988 or “Declaring the First Week of March of Every Year as Women’s Week and March 8, 1988, and Every Year Thereafter as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day.” Signed by former President Corazon C. Aquino on March 1, 1988, it affirmed our solidarity with the United Nations and recognized Filipino women’s contribution to the struggle for national independence, civil liberties, equality, and human rights.

Proclamation No, 227 s. 1988, “Providing for the observance of the Month of March as ‘Women’s Role in History Month’” Signed by President Aquino on March 17, 1988, reinforced the earlier proclamation by emphasizing the role of Filipino women in the social, cultural, economic and political development throughout our history. It provided for a month-long nationwide observance with appropriate ceremonies and activities to be spearheaded by the Commission.

R.A. 6949 s. 1990, “An Act to Declare March Eight of Every Year as a Working Special Holiday to be Known as National Women’s Day” was signed by President Aquino on April 10, 1990. The law further strengthened the impetus for the celebration by declaring every March 8 as a special working holiday and enjoining employees from the government and private sector to participate in activities conducted by their offices.

Themes for its celebration also emerged in the country. During the years of 2016 to 2022, the theme "WE Make CHANGE Work for Women" highlights the importance of compas. Meanwhile, in the year 2023 up to the current year, the theme is set to be “WE for gender equality and inclusive society" which aims to narrow the gender gaps in the country and aims for "deep economic and social transformation to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on a highgrowth path.”

Our country has a matter of pride in this advocacy and movement. In point of fact, according to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Philippines continues to hold its position as the foremost Asian nation in reducing the gender gap. With a gender parity rate of 79.1 percent, the country now ranks 16th out of 146 nations worldwide, marking a three-place improvement from its previous standing. Within the East Asia and the Pacific region, the Philippines ranks second among neighboring countries, trailing only behind New Zealand. Remarkably, it is the only Asian country within the top twenty, with Singapore following closely at the 49th position.

National Women's Month is not just a celebration worldwide but it also stands as a testament to the resilience and achievements of women which calls to action that every girl, lady or woman can thrive free from discrimination and violence. This is not putting women on the pedestal but an advocacy to balance the scale of gender for equality.