Women at work: Recognizing contributions to growth and development
(FILE PHOTO) In marking International Women's Month, it is crucial to recognize and empower women in all facets of society. When women are given the resources, support and opportunities, they thrive and contribute significantly to building a more equitable and inclusive world for all. Empowering women is not just a moral imperative but it is also a strategic investment in a brighter future. Humanity should work together to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create a world where women can reach their full potential and accelerate progress for generations to come.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY KING RODRIGUEZ, YUMMIE DINGDING, JONAS REYES, ANALY LABOR, JOEY SANCHEZ MENDOZA AND AFP FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE
March is Women’s Month, and 2025 marks an important year for the Philippines, celebrating significant milestones. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), the primary government agency tasked as the policy-making and coordinating body on women and gender equality; this year is the culmination of the 30-year Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development 1995 to 2025 (PPGRD) — both central to fostering inclusivity and progress across sectors.
These milestones reflect the strides we’ve made in empowering individuals to contribute fully to the nation’s development. While much work remains, the foundations have propelled the Philippines to the forefront of key economic indicators. A prime example is the Global Gender Gap Report 2024 by the World Economic Forum, where the Philippines ranks 25th globally and stands as Asia’s top performer in addressing gender disparities in economic opportunity, education and health.
Benchmarking gender parity in economic opportunities, education, health and political leadership, the Philippines achieved a score of 77.9 percent, placing us among the leading economies in the region, beating out Singapore (74.4 percent) and Thailand (72 percent). We ranked 25th in the world, behind Australia, with Iceland topping the list with a score of 93.5 percent.
In 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that one million women entered the workforce, driven by the growth of the digital economy and emerging sectors. However, while promising, the numbers reveal challenges. Women accounted for approximately 21 million of the 51 million employed Filipinos, underscoring ongoing areas for growth.
Reflecting on how far we’ve come, I came across a 1975 article from The Philippine Statistician titled “Women Professionals in the Philippines.” It highlighted how, even then, women were entering professions once dominated by men — more than 55 percent of the country’s professionals were women.
This early trend laid the groundwork for today’s achievements. At the SM group, where I’m fortunate to work, over 100,000 employees are part of our dynamic workforce, more than half of whom are women. We see this as a reflection of our commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture where individuals, regardless of gender, can contribute their talents and drive growth across all sectors of our business.
Today, women hold significant leadership roles across various levels within the organization, including senior, middle and junior management.
As we look ahead, the workplace continues to evolve. The digital economy and emerging industries will demand diverse perspectives and inclusive policies for long-term growth. While celebrating our progress, we must remember that success lies in creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to our shared future.
The journey to a more inclusive and prosperous economy is ongoing. As we move forward, we must continue to collaborate and stay committed to creating opportunities for all.
Happy Women’s Month!