Legarda calls for courage, concrete progress this Women's Month

As the country observes National Women’s Month, Senator Loren Legarda is calling for concrete action to ensure every Filipina can thrive in a society free from violence, discrimination, and systemic barriers.

"This year is an opportunity to accelerate progress," Legarda said. "2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most progressive blueprint for women’s empowerment. This framework has expanded access to essential services, strengthened legal protections, and reshaped the conversation around gender equality. Here in the Philippines, we must not only sustain our efforts but push harder for real, measurable outcomes that uplift women in every part of the nation."

While policies lay the foundation, Legarda emphasized that real progress depends on action, investment, and accountability. She urged the full implementation of existing laws addressing gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, and economic inequality, ensuring they translate into tangible benefits for women nationwide.

Legarda, a longtime advocate for women's rights, underscored the broader impact of empowering women, stating, "When we support women, when we protect their rights, invest in their education, and create equal economic opportunities, we build a stronger and more resilient Philippines."

As a four-term senator, Legarda has been instrumental in passing key legislation for women’s welfare, including the Magna Carta of Women, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act, and the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law.

"This is a time for courage," she declared. "We possess the tools, the knowledge, and the frameworks necessary to transform aspirations into tangible outcomes. What we need now is to unify our collective strength and move with purpose. Let us make this Women's Month a turning point through action, building a nation where every Filipina is empowered, protected, and given the opportunity to contribute and lead."