Women’s Month in the Philippines is celebrated every March. Since 1988, Filipinos have dedicated the entire month to celebrating the achievements of the country’s women and raising awareness about domestic violence, sexism, and other hardships that women face daily. This event includes celebrating International Women’s Day, promulgated by the United Nations as a time for people worldwide to discuss civil and human rights and equality for women.
History of Women’s Month (Philippines)
The Philippines holds one of the best gender equality ratings worldwide. For decades, Filipino women fought for their rights to vote and work in politics. The nation’s suffrage movement was founded in 1907, but it took another 30 years before women were allowed to participate in political development. Filipinos value a good education, and lower-income families believe that their children will be able to succeed in life if they study hard. Women and men both have a place in the academic world and exercise their rights to study and work equally in various areas of expertise.
Despite its above-average developments in gender equality, the Philippines still struggles with a high number of cases related to violence against women. Approximately one-fourth of women over 15 have suffered from physical violence in their lifetimes. In addition, only about 30% of women victims of abuse file police reports and seek help. Although laws penalizing this violence are in place, the number of cases continues to rise, mirroring the tendencies of other countries.
This is one of the reasons that the United Nations established international celebrations of women and women’s rights, such as International Women’s Day, which reminds people of the importance of discussing and raising awareness about the challenges women face around the globe.
Women’s Month (Philippines) timeline
Congressman Filemon Sotto signs the first suffrage bill for women at the Philippine Assembly.
Maria Ventura leads the establishment of the Women’s Citizens League.
Women are legally allowed to vote in the Philippines, making it one of the first Asian countries to institutionalize women’s suffrage.
The Philippines elects its first female president, Corazon Aquino.
Women’s Month (Philippines) FAQs
Who declared Women’s Day?
The United Nations declared and celebrated the first International Women’s Day in 1975.
Why is Women’s Day important?
Women’s Day is important because it reminds us to fight for women’s civil and human rights daily.
What do you say on Women’s Day?
You can say many lovely things to a woman on Women’s Day, but the best is a simple “thank you for being exactly who they are!”
How to Observe Women’s Month (Philippines)
Give flowers
Why not buy a beautiful bouquet to gift to a woman close to you? Make sure they know that the flowers’ beauty doesn’t compare to theirs!
Thank a woman
The best way to celebrate Women’s Month is by thanking the women around you for being wonderful people who overcome all the obstacles before them. Encourage them to keep fighting for themselves and assure them that you will continue to fight by their side.
Share your story
If you’re a woman or know of a woman whose story is teeming with achievements and resilience, why not share it with the world? You can post about it on social media and ask your friends to share it!
5 Important Facts About Women
Women are still underrepresented
Although women comprise over half of the world’s population, they occupy only 24% of major political posts worldwide.
Domestic violence isn’t outlawed everywhere
Millions of women live in countries where domestic violence isn’t considered a crime.
They’re great leaders
The number of women Chief Executive Officers is growing! Today, nearly 30% of C.E.O.s are women!
They’re victims of violence
A third of women worldwide experience some sort of violence in their lifetimes.
They value peace
Did you know that when a woman negotiates peace treaties, or if a woman is simply involved in the negotiations, the chances of it lasting longer increase by 20%?
Why Women’s Month (Philippines) is Important
It shines a spotlight on women
Women should be at the forefront of decision-making year-round. But this is a great month to give them a special bit of attention and focus on their needs more.
It’s all about equality
Giving extra attention to women’s issues allows their demands to be considered as much as men’s, promoting gender equality and awareness. Every society should strive toward this, and we’re grateful to have an entire month dedicated to reminding us of this.
It raises awareness
This is a great time to discuss problems that haunt women daily, such as domestic violence and human trafficking. It’s also the best time to take action.
Women’s Month (Philippines) dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 1 | Thursday |
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