As the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) celebrates its 50th anniversary, it marks five decades of pioneering work in advancing women’s rights and gender equality in the Philippines.
Established in 1975 as the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women, the PCW has evolved into a key institution shaping policies and programs that promote women’s empowerment across all sectors of society.
Throughout its history, the PCW has championed groundbreaking legislation for women’s rights in the country. In 2009, it helped pass the Magna Carta of Women, establishing a comprehensive framework for eliminating discrimination against women and ensuring their equal access to opportunities in social, political, and economic spheres.
Leading change through legislation
The commission’s legislative achievements continue to create meaningful change. In 2019, the commission supported the 105-Day Extended Maternity Leave Law, which increased paid leave for new mothers from 60 to 105 days, significantly improving support for working mothers across the nation.
As a result, the Philippines now consistently ranks among the top nations globally in gender equality indices. In the Global Gender Gap Report 2018, the country ranked eighth worldwide, leading in women’s economic participation and education.
A strategic vision for the future
The commission’s current agenda follows its Updated Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Plan (GEWE) 2019-2025. This comprehensive plan addresses persistent challenges through strategic initiatives to increase women’s participation in the labor force and support female entrepreneurs through improved access to financing and resources.
Looking ahead, the PCW aligns its priorities with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, which focuses on gender equality and women’s empowerment. This alignment strengthens the commission’s approach to both local and global challenges.
The organization tackles several pressing issues, including the economic impact of crises on women, gender-based violence, and access to quality healthcare services. In response, the PCW has built stronger partnerships with civil society organizations, private sector stakeholders, and international partners.
Environmental focus and data-driven solutions
Environmental concerns have also emerged as a key priority, with the PCW addressing women’s unique vulnerabilities to climate change. The commission now integrates gender perspectives into environmental policies and disaster response strategies, ensuring women’s needs are considered in climate action initiatives.
The PCW strengthens its impact through data-driven policymaking, using improved collection and analysis of gender-specific data. This evidence-based approach helps address the needs of marginalized groups, including those living in climate- vulnerable areas, indigenous women and those affected by conflict or disaster.
