GAD Corner

2025 National Women’s Month Celebration

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Focus for the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration
The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Philippines and globally. This year commemorates:
• The 50th anniversary of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW);
• The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA);
• The 45th year of the Philippines’ signing of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW);
• Three decades since the introduction of the Gender and Development (GAD) budget policy under the 1995 General Appropriations Act (RA 7845); and
• The culmination of the 30-year Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (PPGD).

These milestones reaffirm the country’s long-standing commitment to advancing women’s rights and promoting inclusive development.
With the goal of fostering a society where all women have equal rights, power, and opportunities, the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) carries the sub-theme: “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.” This reinforces the core objective of RA 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women—to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.

This year’s focus will continue to support the administration’s brand of governance and leadership, aligning with its rallying cry for an all-inclusive plan for economic and social transformation. We reaffirm our commitment to building a “Bagong Pilipinas”—a nation where women have equitable opportunities, free from gender biases and discriminatory stereotypes. The phrase “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas” embodies a sense of optimism and hope, symbolizing a future where women’s lives are truly uplifted. It reflects the commitment to translating gender equality efforts from policy into tangible, meaningful changes in the lives of women. This vision seeks to ensure that all women, particularly those from underserved communities and marginalized sectors, reap the benefits of gender equality in their daily lives. By prioritizing these groups, the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration emphasizes the need for inclusive progress, ensuring that no woman is left behind in the journey toward equal opportunities and empowerment.

This vision calls for a multi-sectoral approach, engaging government agencies, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders to:
• Strengthen legal frameworks;
• Improve access to essential services; and
• Create sustainable opportunities for women.

The NWMC provides a vital opportunity for everyone to reflect on and challenge the deeply rooted gender norms and biases, particularly those that contribute to the marginalization of women from underserved communities. This annual observance serves as a platform to identify and transform practices, beliefs, and societal expectations that reinforces gender inequality. By fostering discussions, advocating for policy changes, and promoting gender-fair practices, the celebration encourages a cultural shift that ensures that women from all sectors have equal access to opportunities, resources, and the full recognition of their rights. Through collective action, we can reexamine and reshape traditional norms that limit women’s roles and contributions, creating an environment where every woman’s potential is acknowledged, valued and fully supported, regardless of her background or circumstances.
The celebration also highlights the crucial role of men as allies in dismantling systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive society. Together, these efforts aim to make gender equality a reality for all women in the Bagong Pilipinas.

Objectives
This year’s National Women’s Month Celebration aims to:
• Increase awareness and advocacy for gender equality, resulting in greater recognition of women’s equal rights, power, and opportunities across all sectors;
• Enhance the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable sectors of women, including indigenous women, rural women, and women with disabilities, through targeted initiatives that ensure their participation and access to programs and resources promoting inclusive development;
• Strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration with government agencies, LGUs, NGOs, CSOs, and other stakeholders, leading to improved policies, access to services, and sustainable opportunities for women; and
• Improve policies and gender-responsive governance, ensuring the sustainability of gender equality efforts beyond 2025.

PCW-led activities
Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in or support the activities organized by the PCW in celebration of the 2025 NWMC:
National Women’s Month Celebration Kick-Off Event – An onsite kick-off event will take place on March 5, 2025, featuring a trade fair and booths offering various services to women, particularly from marginalized sectors. These services will include medical services, legal consultation, and other essential services aimed at empowering women. The trade fair will showcase products from women-owned and women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
This event is organized in collaboration with government agencies directly supporting these sectors, alongside NGOs and CSOs working on their behalf.
The event will also serve as a platform for several key initiatives:
• Launch of the guidelines for the first-ever State of the Filipino Women regional report;
• Recertification of PCW’s partner institutions for GAD Training programs;
• The unveiling of the PCW 50th Anniversary Coffee Table Book:
• Presentation of country’s strategies moving forward derived from the BPFA country report; and
• Launch of the Threads of Empowerment: Weaving Women’s Stories, a year-long nationwide symbolic initiative.

Threads of Empowerment: Weaving Women’s Stories – In the tapestry of time, women’s dreams are the threads that bind generations together—dreams of equality, empowerment, and a brighter future for all.

This year-long initiative, Threads of Empowerment: Weaving Women’s Stories, celebrates the artistry and resilience of women across the Philippines through a symbolic patchwork tapestry. Each government body or women’s group from various regions in the country will contribute a unique design reflecting a specific advocacy or issue, weaving together a collective tapestry of women’s experiences and aspirations.

Crafted with care and artistry, this initiative pays tribute to the cultural and economic contributions of traditional fabric artisans, including quilters, embroidery artists, weavers, and others specializing in the intricate world of textile crafts. By engaging these talented women – particularly those from marginalized communities, the project elevates their exceptional skills, honors their heritage and amplifies their voices. Beyond raising awareness of women’s issues, it fosters solidarity and strengthens the call for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Through partnerships with regional agencies, LGUs, local NGOs, CSOs and other stakeholders, the initiative ensures these voices remain at the forefront, weaving a future where no one is left behind.

Each patch in this symbolic tapestry tells a story, reflects a cause, and represents a dream, whether advocating for better education for young girls to championing economic opportunities for women to addressing health and social justice issues, and more. Together, these stories create a unified narrative of hope, resilience and empowerment, showcasing that no thread stands alone.

Beyond raising awareness of women’s issues, Threads of Empowerment fosters solidarity and strengthens the call for gender equality and women’s empowerment. It inspires women to envision and pursue a society where their dreams know no barriers. Through partnerships with regional agencies, LGUs, local NGOs, CSOs and other stakeholders, the initiative ensures these voices remain at the forefront, weaving a future where no one is left behind. As this patchwork grows, it becomes a testament to women’s unwavering spirit and their dreams for a better tomorrow—a tapestry of empowerment, stitched with hope and bound by determination.

Through Threads of Empowerment: Weaving Women’s Stories, every thread becomes a symbol of transformation, every stitch a step toward equality, and every patch a beacon of empowerment. Together, these contributions create a masterpiece that celebrates the strength, creativity, and dreams of Filipino women.

International Women’s Day Celebration: Herstory –As part of PCW’s 50th anniversary celebration, an online screening of the PCW HerStory Video Documentary will be held. This documentary highlights PCW’s five-decade journey in championing women’s rights, leading progress, and shaping a brighter future for Bagong Pilipinas.

Pakigduyog: Women’s Summit – Organized by the PCW-North Mindanao Field Office, the third Pakigduyog: Women’s Summit will be held in Butuan City, Region XIII (Caraga). The event will feature:

• A one-stop shop with booths set up by government agencies offering free services to participants;
• A women’s bazaar showcasing products by women-owned and women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs);
• A commitment pledge to affirm participants’ support for gender equality and women’s empowerment; and
• Breakout sessions led by various government agencies focusing on lectures and workshops on accessible housing options, mental health, financial literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and others.
#JuanaSays 2025 – Now on its 11th year, #JuanaSays campaign will feature statements from women across all walks of life, particularly those from marginalized sectors.
The #JuanaSays campaigns aims to:
• Raise awareness on the specific challenges these women wish to highlight.
• Spark meaningful conversations;
• Inspire action; and
• Foster a deeper understanding of the challenges women face in society.

#WEcanbeEquALL – Mobilizing support for the cause of gender equality, the online campaign aims to express our optimism that #WEcanbeEquALL. This hashtag encourages women and everyone (WE) to advocate for equality and inclusivity, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of gender, ability, status, or circumstances—receive the respect and rights they deserve. With the rallying cry #WEcanbeEquALL, no one should be left behind.

2025 NWMC Sticker Pack – a digital collection of stickers featuring empowering messages about gender equality and women’s empowerment. These stickers serve as a powerful means to inject positivity into daily digital interactions while promoting the core values of equality and empowerment. Users can effortlessly incorporate these stickers into their conversations, sparking awareness and encouraging discussions on the critical issue of gender parity.

Suggested Activities for Stakeholders

PCW calls on national and local government offices, non-government organizations, sectoral groups, private entities, civil society organizations, and various stakeholders at the national, regional, and local levels to organize meaningful and relevant activities that directly engage marginalized sectors, as outlined in the Magna Carta of Women. These activities should align with the central theme and sub-themes of the 2025 NWMC and the GAD objectives. Potential activities may include:

NWMC-themed Flag Raising Ceremony – Government agencies and local government units are encouraged to integrate NWMC announcements, reminders, messages, and activities into their Flag Raising Ceremonies during the last week of February and the first week of March (or on other relevant dates). It is strongly recommended that the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang music video be featured in NWMC events. The video can be downloaded from https://library.pcw.gov.ph/lupang-hinirang-all-women-cast/.

#GADtoKnow– Agencies and LGUs are encouraged to create, circulate, and/or disseminate information materials (both online and in print) that showcase their gender-responsive programs and services for women. These materials should include simplified steps and requirements for women to access these services. Additionally, participating agencies and stakeholders are urged to develop and distribute various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials related to the National Women’s Month Celebration and relevant women-related laws. Agencies can access these information materials at https://library.pcw.gov.ph.

Our Women’s Month Stories – As PCW celebrates its 50th anniversary and continues to build its #PCW50 HerStory, we encourage all agencies to share their Women’s Month stories through photos, videos, or other forms of media on their social media platforms. Reflecting on how they have celebrated Women’s Month through the years, these stories will not only showcase their ongoing commitment to gender equality but also highlight how the celebration empowers their agency and inspires others to join the movement.

2025 NWMC banner of support–Show that you are for gender equality and inclusive society! Exhibit the National Women’s Month Celebration banner prominently in front of your offices, landmarks, and other designated areas. In addition, upload the digital version to your agency’s or organization’s official website and social media accounts.

#PurpleWednesday, #PurpleYourIcon, #PurpleYourProfile –Show your commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality by wearing purple every Wednesday throughout March. Extend your support by illuminating offices, landmarks, and public spaces with purple elements as a tribute to women and their invaluable contributions to society. Join the online movement by updating your profile picture with PCW’s official frame through #PurpleYourProfile, helping to amplify awareness and engagement in digital spaces. These simple yet impactful actions not only celebrate women but also sparks conversations about the National Women’s Month Celebration.

Musika ng Kababaihan Fridays (#MNKFridays)–Tune into gender equality through melodies and harmony! Every Friday throughout March, share the empowering songs from the MusikJuana Songwriting Contest and other PCW advocacy tunes in office spaces, public and private establishments, parks, and across social media platforms. Let these anthems of women’s empowerment inspire action and amplify the message of gender equality: https://library.pcw.gov.ph/search/?q=musikjuana.

Offer your own “Serbisyo para kay Juana”–Public and private entities that provide direct services, transactions, and products to the public may choose to extend gestures of appreciation to women and girls on International Women’s Day (March 8) and throughout March. These tokens may include freebies, discounts, priority lanes, and other special promotions in honor of the celebration. These events can serve as platforms to showcase initiatives and programs aimed at empowering women. Stakeholders who wish to have their #SerbisyoParaKayJuana activities included in PCW’s official announcements are invited to fill out the form on the NWMC webpage.

Coordination with regional and local GAD mechanisms – Government agencies may facilitate inter-agency efforts to enhance the implementation and monitoring of key legislation, including the Magna Carta of Women and other laws on women’s rights and Gender and Development. Strengthening cooperation at regional and local levels ensures a more cohesive and effective approach to advancing gender equality and empowering women in their communities.

Organize activities in support of the Girl-Child Week and the Women with Disabilities Day Celebration – Everyone is encouraged to join the Girl Child Week, observed every fourth week of March, which is led by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), as well as the Women with Disabilities Day celebration spearheaded annually by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).

Use the official collateral designs released by PCW – Stakeholders are encouraged to use the official branding design released by PCW for the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC). The branding guide, standard banner, and sample collateral designs are available for download on the NWMC webpage.

Use the official hashtag: #WEcanbeEquALL – Stakeholders are invited to use this hashtag to express their dedication, showcase their activities, engage in online conversations, and share their commitments and action plans for advancing gender equality and fostering an inclusive society.

Support PCW’s online advocacy – Maximize the digital sphere to amplify the advocacy by promoting PCW’s official social media accounts and creating NWMC campaigns tailored to your agency using the 2025 NWMC digital collaterals.
Be featured in the NWMC Calendar of Activities and Activity Photos – The PCW encourages agencies with planned activities to share the details with the Commission for inclusion in the NWMC Calendar of Activities. Additionally, agencies are invited to submit photos of their events for potential posting on PCW’s Facebook page, pending review and compliance with deadlines. Activity lineups and photos can be submitted via the links provided on the NWMC webpage.

GAD Webinar Schedules

GAD Webinar 1: Basic GAD Concepts and Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC)

The GAD Webinar 1 offers a module on the foundational concepts of GAD and SOGIESC that are featured in basic GAD orientation and Gender Sensitivity Training (GST). This webinar is designed to cultivate gender sensitivity as a fundamental quality and competency among government employees. The overarching objective of the session is to internalize a gender-sensitive perspective, fostering an understanding of how social institutions—such as the family, school, media, faith, market, and the legal system—perpetuate gender bias and compound gender issues, consequently leading to gender discrimination and inequality. The webinar aims to raise awareness, dispel misconceptions about GAD, and underscore that gender equality and women’s empowerment are not conflicting pursuits but integral means toward achieving each other. Moreover, compared to previous webinars on basic GAD and SOGIESC, this webinar will incorporate the topic of gender-fair language to advance gender sensitivity within the workplace and community. It will be tackled under the media as one of the social institutions on gender or as an agent of gender socialization. Through the discussion and analysis of advertisements and various media forms, it will highlight the significance of using gender-fair language to empower, advocate for balanced representation, and avoid stereotypes.

Recognizing the evolving landscape of gender discourse, PCW has enhanced its GST and GAD orientation module by incorporating a dedicated session on SOGIESC. This addition aims to prompt participants to reassess any inherent heteronormative biases they may hold, fostering an appreciation for diverse SOGIESC, that will translate to concrete actions such as ensuring that our workplaces and institutions are safe and friendly towards persons of diverse SOGIESC.

Schedule: February 26, 2025
Registration Date: February 5, 2025

Session 1 – Basic GAD Concepts
Session 2 – Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC)

GAD Webinar 2: Gender Analysis

Gender analysis (GA) is an essential element of gender mainstreaming. This webinar aims to enhance appreciation of gender analysis as the process of asking key questions to understand the differentials between women and men in terms of gender needs and interests, capabilities, roles and responsibilities, access to and control of resources, benefits, and opportunities as well as constraints to participation and decision-making. The conceptual building blocks of gender analysis aims to generate an enhanced awareness of the factors behind gender issues and why they persist.

The session will show the review of sex-disaggregated data and relevant gender-related information as well as the use of available GA frameworks and approaches in surfacing gender issues among women and men, girls and boys in households and communities. This session also introduces GA tools that agencies may use to diagnose gender gaps in organizations and influence programs and projects to be gender-responsive. Lastly, the session will emphasize how gender analysis is linked with the formulation of the GAD Agenda and GAD Planning and Budgeting.

Schedule: April 2, 2025
Registration Date: March 12, 2025

Session 1 – Introduction to GA Concepts
Session 2 – Gender Analysis Tools, Frameworks and Applications

GAD Webinar 3: Use of the HGDG Tool in Mainstreaming Gender Elements in the Project Development Cycle

GAD Webinar 3 will discuss how to use the Harmonized GAD Guidelines (HGDG) as a gender analysis, planning, and monitoring tool to ensure that programs and projects undertaken by donors and the Philippine government in their various stages are gender-responsive. The webinar aims to instill knowledge and awareness on the integration of GAD elements in the project development cycle. It will demonstrate the assessment of a program and project using the HGDG tool and the application of the assessment results in the agency GAD Plan and Budget and GAD Accomplishment Report. The webinar will also show the identification of mitigating strategies to address gender gaps and to improve the gender-responsiveness of the program/project design, implementation, management, monitoring, and evaluation.

To enrich the learning experience, selected government agencies will be invited to share their experiences and practical insights in applying the HGDG tool. This sharing will encompass how the tool has been instrumental in mainstreaming gender perspectives within their programs/projects and attributing a portion of the funds to the GAD budget, providing real-world examples of providing real-world examples of flagship/mainstream/ regular programs and projects integrated with a gender perspective.

Schedule: June 18, 2025
Registration Date: May 28, 2025

Session 1 – HGDG Design
Session 2 – HGDG PIMME
Session 3 – Presentation of two (2) Agency Sharers

GAD Webinar 4: GAD Database

Section 36 of Republic Act No. 9710, or the MCW directs agencies to systematically collect and generate sex-disaggregated data and statistics, according to their mandates. Agencies have expressed their need for technical guidance on establishing a GAD database in the absence of guidelines to be issued by appropriate oversight agencies. Recognizing this demand, PCW is dedicating a separate session to the development of the GAD database.

PCW acknowledges the significance not only of advocating for sex-disaggregated data but also of supporting government organizations in the practical implementation of the establishment of a GAD database, especially in leveling off on the purpose, conceptual framework, components, and tools necessary to set up and maintain a GAD database. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance gender mainstreaming and promote a more inclusive and equitable approach to data collection and analysis within government agencies. Ultimately, the session aims to empower agencies with the knowledge and tools necessary to systematically integrate gender perspectives into their data systems, which leads to the identification of gender issues and helps in gender-responsive and evidenced-based planning, programming, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Schedule: September 17, 2025
Registration Date: August 27, 2025

Session 1 – Gender Statistics 101
Session 2 – Introduction to the GAD Databases
Session 3 – 1 Agency Sharer & 1 LGU Sharer

GAD Webinar 5: Use and Application of the Gender-Responsive Local Government Unit (GERL) Assessment Tool and the GAD Focal Point System Functionality Assessment Tool for Local Government Units (GFAsT for LGUs)

This webinar is open only to participants from the LGUs. The GAD webinar 5 provides an overview of gender analysis and planning tools at the local level – the Gender-Responsive Local Government Unit (GERL) Assessment Tool and the GAD Focal Point System Functionality Assessment Tool for Local Government Units (GFAsT for LGUs).

The GeRL Assessment Tool is specifically designed to assess and enhance the gender responsiveness of LGUs at both provincial and city/municipal levels. The session will highlight the practical application of the toolkit in evaluating the organizational capacities of LGUs and their delivery of basic services and facilities. The GeRL Assessment Tool aims to gather data on GAD mainstreaming efforts, serves as a monitoring and evaluation tool, and identifies gaps and strategies for achieving gender-responsive local governance.

Moreover, this webinar will also discuss the GFAsT for LGUs. The tool l is designed to contribute to gender-responsive local governance by ensuring that LGUs have a functional GFPS to mainstream GAD in local policymaking, planning, programming, budgeting, implementation, and M&E. The assessment will reveal the GFPS’s strengths and underlying gaps. It will also set the baseline for the GFPS’s current level of functionality, the fulfillment of members’ roles, and their GAD-related competencies. At most, the assessment tool will enable the GFPS to document good practices on gender mainstreaming.

Schedule: October 22, 2025
Registration Date: October 1, 2025

Session 1 – Overview of the GeRL Tool
Session 2 – Overview of the GFAsT Tool for LGUs
Session 3 – LGU Sharers (1 LGU for GERL and 1 LGU for GFAST)

GAD Webinar 6: GAD Planning and Budgeting Forum for LGUs

This webinar is open only to participants from the LGUs. Now in its second year of offering and in addition to an increase in demand for a separate forum on GAD planning and budgeting for local government units (LGUs), PCW continued the has included a webinar on local GAD planning and budgeting.

Similar to the design of the national GPB forum, the GAD Webinar 6 will provide the step-by-step process of formulating annual GAD plans of LGUs, with a specific focus on identifying gender issues and GAD objectives, designing the appropriate GAD PPAs, targets and indicators, attributing regular/flagship/mainstream programs and projects to GAD using the HGDG and correctly filling out the LGU GPB templates based on the provisions of the amended PCW-DILG-NEDA-DBM Joint Memorandum Circular 2013-01 as amended by 2016-01 on the localization of the MCW. The session will also highlight the institutional mechanisms for localizing the MCW, which includes the integration of GAD in local development plans and priorities that will facilitate gender mainstreaming at the local level.

Schedule: October 23, 2025
Registration Date: October 3, 2025

Session 1 – LGU GPB Preparation
Session 2 – LGU GPB Submission, Review, and Endorsement
Session 3 – Audit of GAD Funds and Activities in Local Government Units

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DILG Region 1 through Finance Administrative Division (FAD) joins the “Para sa Bagong You na Healthy, Magpabakuna Laban sa Vaccine-preventable Diseases.”

LGOO III Jaybee B. Apigo and LGOO II Aldrin D. Nolasco, Nurses by profession, performed vaccinations for the personnel of the Department at the office clinic. All divisions participated, along with some onboarding personnel from other offices. Vaccination helps prevent the influenza virus, which changes rapidly yearly. The flu vaccine does not cause the illness but helps prevent it and reduces the severity of symptoms if contracted.

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2024 National Women’s Month Celebration

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The National Women’s Month Celebration has its roots in the recognition of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th, a historical event stemming from the organizing efforts of women in the early 20th Century. Between 1909 and 1911, working women in the United States, united under the National Women’s Trade Union League and other groups, protested against low wages, lack of protective legislation, and harsh working conditions.

These demonstrations were a response to the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in March 1911 in New York City, claiming the lives of over 140 working girls, primarily Italian and Jewish immigrants. The subsequent observances of IWD invoked the appalling working conditions and unfair labor practices leading up to the disaster.

In Europe, Clara Zetkin and the Socialist Women’s International advocated for March 8th to be recognized as International Women’s Day, annually celebrating working women worldwide. This celebration has left an indelible mark on historical events, including inspiring the general strike that initiated the Russian Revolution in St. Petersburg in 1917, where 10,000 women textile workers voiced their concerns.

IWD gained official recognition by the United Nations as a day to celebrate women’s contributions to societies globally. In the Philippines, the National Women’s Month Celebration has become a platform to spotlight women’s accomplishments and address ongoing and emerging issues related to women’s empowerment and gender equality. The focus is on concrete activities aligned with national and international agreements, including 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), the Framework Plan for Women, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Elements of the Theme

WE represents Women and Everyone, highlighting the collective responsibility for gender equality, not solely resting on women but involving everyone. WE also symbolizes Women’s Empowerment, a goal achievable when various entities, ranging from agencies and institutions to private partners and duty-bearers at national and local levels, ensure women equal rights and opportunities. The active participation of women in seizing these opportunities is also essential. Through the collaborative efforts of women and everyone, achieving genderequality becomes a tangible possibility.

Gender Equality constitutes the first component of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) advocacy, representing the fundamental goal in advancing women’s rights. The theme underscores the need for accelerated action to intensify efforts toward this crucial aspiration. According to the Global Gender Gap Report, progress is slow, with the global gender gap closing at only 68.4%. At this rate, achieving complete parity would require 131 years. It must also be noted that no country has yet attained full gender parity.

Despite this extended timeline, the struggle for gender equality today is an investment in a more inclusive and improved future, even if the complete realization may extend beyond our current generations. The phrase gender equality is also preceded by the word “for”, signifying our call to women and everyone to advocate for, take action on, and promote equality and inclusivity.

Inclusive society goes beyond a gender-responsive approach; it champions a society that surpasses the distinctions in SOGIE, class, ability, generation, status, and culture. It envisions a society where every individual, each endowed with rights and responsibilities, plays an active role. Equality and inclusion are interwoven elements of the GEWE advocacy, emphasizing the importance of fostering a society that embraces and celebrates diversity.

Focus for the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration

Grounded on the objective of transforming culture toward a more equal and inclusive future, the 2024 NWMC bears the sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan!” It echoes the target outcomes of Chapter 15 in the Updated Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Plan 2019-2025 towards transforming gender norms and culture.

With “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the 2024 sub-theme calls for a Bagong Pilipinas where women are given equitable opportunities and not hindered by gender biases and discriminatory stereotypes. “Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan!,” aims to showcase and harness the full potentials of women and girls in actively engaging in and reaping the benefits of national growth and development. However, achieving this requires an enabling environment free from discriminatory values, stereotypes, beliefs, treatment, and portrayal of women and girls across family, religion, education, sports, media, and other relevant institutions. The vision extends to government agencies and institutions incorporating gender mainstreaming in the bureaucracy, men joining the cause for equality, and establishing a legal framework that supports the protection of marginalized groups of women, including the girl child, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, Muslims, and those with diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE).

Objectives

The National Women’s Month Celebration 2024 aims to:

Inform and engage women and everyone in pushing for the transformation of gender norms and culture towards an inclusive society;
Highlight the collaborative efforts of government agencies and the private sector in addressing poverty and strengthening financial institutions to bridge gender gaps, advocating for social protection systems, and enhancing access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for women and girls;
Provide platforms to share good practices and address gaps, challenges, and commitments in pursuing gender and development (GAD), further strengthening the implementation of the Magna Carta of Women toward its milestone 15th year this 2024;
Inspire women and girls to empower themselves and take on leadership roles, opportunities, and benefits toward maximizing their full potential and enabling them to reap the fruits of gender equality;

Promote a society that ensures inclusion, protection of fundamental freedoms, diversity, and social justice, in which every individual, each with rights and responsibilities, is capacitated and encouraged to take an active role in playing.

PCW-led activities

Stakeholders are enjoined to participate or support the activities organized by the PCW in time for the 2024 NWMC.

International Women’s Day Celebration: Investing in Equality toward Gender-Inclusive Prosperity

In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, 2024, the Philippine Commission on Women, SM Supermalls, and UN Women will lead conversations anchored in the IWD theme “Invest in women: Accelerate progress”. The focus will be on addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing through a gender perspective. The session will delve into crucial topics such as financing with a gender lens and the outcomes of Gender and Development (GAD) budget initiatives. Esteemed panelists from different key government agencies will provide valuable insights. The session will also highlight the various initiatives of the United Nations agencies and development partners in accelerating progress through empowering and enabling women, in line with the relevant Sustainable Development Goals. Another discussion will spotlight the important role of technology in advancing women’s empowerment, particularly for entrepreneurs, and how businesses can leverage technology to bridge gender gaps and promote social change. From corporate social responsibility initiatives to sustainable business practices, the discussion aims to shed light on the multifaceted ways in which the private sector can act as catalysts for poverty alleviation and institution-building. Another session will zero in on gender-inclusive inclusive financing and exploring ways to combat poverty through technology, with a specific emphasis on finance technology and ICT.

Launching of the radio plugs development on transforming gender norms

Dedicated to cultivating a culture of gender equality, the PCW intends to harness the power and influence of radio to connect with audiences. To be teased during the NWMC 2024, these radio plugs will endeavor to question and transform prevailing societal norms, prompting a transition toward a more inclusive and fair society. The radio plugs, concise but catchy, aim to spark conversations about the existing norms and how these can be changed.

#JuanaSays 2024

Marking a decade since it was launched in 2015, #JuanaSays will feature daily inspirational statements from women who have made a significant impact, shattered stereotypes, and played a pivotal role in reshaping gender norms in various fields. Aligned with the International Women’s Day theme, this year’s #JuanaSays will also spotlight women who are at the forefront of initiatives aimed at narrowing gender disparities in finance. This includes their efforts in addressing poverty, providing financial education and technology, advocating for social protection systems, and improving access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for women and girls.

#WEcanbeEquALL

Mobilizing support to the cause for gender equality, the online campaign aims to express our optimism that #WEcanbeEquALL. This hashtag inspires women and everyone (WE) to advocate for equality and inclusivity, ensuring that ALL, irrespective of gender, ability, status, or circumstances, receive due respect and rights. With our rallying banner #WEcanbeEquALL, the commitment is to leave no one behind. Participants are encouraged to use this hashtag to not only share their dedication but also outline their plans of action in the pursuit of gender equality and the establishment of an inclusive society.

2024 NWMC Sticker Pack

The PCW will release a digital sticker pack designed for daily use, filled with uplifting messages centered around gender equality and women’s empowerment. This innovative sticker pack serves as a powerful tool to infuse positivity into daily digital conversations while promoting essential values of equality and empowerment. Users can easily incorporate these expressive stickers into their daily interactions, fostering awareness and encouraging discussions on the crucial issues of gender parity. With a diverse range of positive messages, PCW’s digital sticker pack aims to make a meaningful impact by fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect in the digital realm, one sticker at a time.

Suggested Activities

PCW urges national and local government offices, non-government organizations, sectoral groups, private entities, civil society organizations, and various stakeholders at national, regional, and local levels to organize meaningful and pertinent activities aligning with the overarching theme and sub-theme of the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) and the Gender and Development (GAD) objectives. Possible activities may include:

NWMC-themed Flag Raising Ceremony

Government agencies and local government units are encouraged to incorporate National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) announcements, reminders, messages, and activities during their respective Flag Raising Ceremonies in the last week of February and the first week of March (or other applicable dates). The use of the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang Video in NWMC events is strongly advised. The music video can be downloaded from https://library.pcw.gov.ph/lupang-hinirang-all-women-cast/.

GAD2

2024 GAD Webinar Series - (Click to show all GAD Webinar to be conducted)

2024 FORA GAD - (Click to show all GAD-related Fora)

2024 GAD CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED BY THE DILG REGIONAL OFFICE I

PNUEMOCOCAL VACCINATION FOR AGES 50-60 DILG R1 EMPLOYEES - May 23, 2024

DILG Region 1 personnel received Pneumococcal Vaccine from DOH as part of their program "Healthy workplace para sa Healthy Pilipinas" where employees are fit for work, fit to work and fit at work.

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BREAST AND CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS SPONSORED BY DOH - MAY 10, 2024

In observance of the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the DILG R1 actively participated in the launching of the Department of Health's Mass Screening for Breast and Cervical Cancer at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC). Let's unite and prioritize our health and well-being!

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