March is a significant month in the Philippines as it marks National Women’s Month, (NWM), a time dedicated to honoring women’s contributions and addressing pressing issues related to empowerment and gender equality.
Globally, March 8 is officially recognized by the United Nations as International Women’s Day (IWD) to honor women’s contributions and advocate for gender equality and women’s rights.
The 2025 celebration is particularly noteworthy because it commemorates several milestones in advancing women’s rights and promoting inclusive development. These are: The 50th anniversary of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW); 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA); 45th year since the Philippines signed 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).
The NWM is a special time to celebrate women’s achievements across various sectors while confronting critical issues hindering women’s empowerment and gender equality. It emphasizes the importance of inclusive progress, ensuring that all women, especially those from marginalized communities, benefit from gender equality initiatives. The celebration also addresses issues such as violence against women, economic disparities, and the need for greater political representation.
The PCW, established in 1975, leads the celebration of NWM. As the primary policy-making and coordinating body on women’s concerns, the PCW spearheads various activities and programs throughout March. Collaborating with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations, the PCW works on a comprehensive approach to addressing women’s issues.
The 2025 theme is “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society,” a recurring theme from 2023 to 2028. “WE” stands for “women and everyone,” an affirmation of the commitment to advocacy.
A notable initiative in the NCW celebration is “Threads of Empowerment: Weaving Women’s Stories,” a year-long project celebrating the artistry and resilience of women across the country. Government agencies and women’s groups from various regions will contribute unique designs reflecting specific advocacies or issues, culminating in a collective tapestry symbolizing women’s experiences and aspirations.
The month also commemorates other significant observances: Girl Child Week during the fourth week of March, under Proclamation No. 759, which emphasizes the importance of providing every girl under 18 with equal opportunities, adequate protection, and preparation for their role in community development, and Women with Disabilities Day on the last Monday of March, Proclamation No. 744, which advocates for the protection and integration of women with disabilities into society, ensuring they receive equal rights in legal matters and all aspects of human activity.
In the Philippines, the celebration of women’s contributions has been institutionalized through several legal mandates: Proclamation No. 224 which declares the first week of March each year as Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day. Proclamation No. 227 which designates March as Women’s Role in History Month, emphasizing the vital part women have played in nation-building, and Republic Act No. 6949 which declares March 8 of every year as National Women’s Day, a special working holiday to celebrate women’s achievements.
The month is a time to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain. By honoring women’s achievements and confronting the barriers to equality, the Philippines moves closer to realizing a society where every woman can thrive, free from discrimination and bias.
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