Gender and Development

2025 National Women’s Month Celebration

Source: Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).

MISSION

VISION

The PCW is a policymaking, advisory, and coordinating body that leads in the development of gender-responsive policies, conduct of advocacy, provision of appropriate and strategic technical assistance, and monitoring and evaluation of plans and programs on gender mainstreaming towards a more gender responsive government bureaucracy and institutions.

PCW is a nationally and globally recognized premier policy-making and oversight agency on gender equality and women empowerment effectively collaborating with stakeholders in building a gender responsive Philippines where women and girls are recognized, valued, and empowered as agents of positive change.

Mandates and Functions

Major functions:

● Institute the gender responsiveness of national development plans and coordinate the preparation, assessment, and updating of the National Plan for Women, ensure its implementation and monitor the performance of government agencies in the implementation of the Plan at all levels.
● Undertake continuing advocacy to promote economic, social and political empowerment of women and provide technical assistance in the setting up and strengthening of mechanisms on gender mainstreaming.
● Ensure that the gains achieved by Filipino women due to Philippine culture and tradition shall be preserved and enhanced in the process of modernization.

More specifically, the PCW:

● Coordinates the preparation of Philippine development plans for women as well as their monitoring assessment and updating in cooperation with the national planning body and line agencies.
● Acts as a clearing house and database for information relating to women.
● Conducts gender-consciousness-raising programs.
● Conducts policy studies and reviews legislation to integrate women’s concerns.
● Provides technical services and ensures the development of institutional capabilities for gender and development (GAD) mainstreaming of government agencies and selected partners.
● Monitors and assesses the implementation of laws and policies on women including the implementation of international conventions such as the Beijing Platform for Action.
● Implements pilot projects for the delivery of services for women as the basis for policy formulation and program recommendations.

HERstory: How did it start?

Focus for the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the Philippines and globally. This year commemorates:

50th anniversary of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW);

The 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA);
The 45th year of the Philippines’ signing of 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).

These milestones reaffirm the country’s long-standing commitment to advancing women’s rights and promoting inclusive development.

With the goal of fostering a society where all women have equal rights, power, and opportunities, the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) carries the sub-theme: “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.” This reinforces the core objective of RA 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women—to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.

This year’s focus will continue to support the administration’s brand of governance and leadership, aligning with its rallying cry for an all-inclusive plan for economic and social transformation. We reaffirm our commitment to building a “Bagong Pilipinas”—a nation where women have equitable opportunities, free from gender biases and discriminatory stereotypes. The phrase “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas” embodies a sense of optimism and hope, symbolizing a future where women’s lives are truly uplifted. It reflects the commitment to translating gender equality efforts from policy into tangible, meaningful changes in the lives of women. This vision seeks to ensure that all women, particularly those from underserved communities and marginalized sectors, reap the benefits of gender equality in their daily lives. By prioritizing these groups, the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration emphasizes the need for inclusive progress, ensuring that no woman is left behind in the journey toward equal opportunities and empowerment.

This vision calls for a multi-sectoral approach, engaging government agencies, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders to:

Strengthen legal frameworks;
Improve access to essential services; and
Create sustainable opportunities for women.

The NWMC provides a vital opportunity for everyone to reflect on and challenge the deeply rooted gender norms and biases, particularly those that contribute to the marginalization of women from underserved communities. This annual observance serves as a platform to identify and transform practices, beliefs, and societal expectations that reinforces gender inequality. By fostering discussions, advocating for policy changes, and promoting gender-fair practices, the celebration encourages a cultural shift that ensures that women from all sectors have equal access to opportunities, resources, and the full recognition of their rights. Through collective action, we can reexamine and reshape traditional norms that limit women’s roles and contributions, creating an environment where every woman’s potential is acknowledged, valued and fully supported, regardless of her background or circumstances.

The celebration also highlights the crucial role of men as allies in dismantling systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive society. Together, these efforts aim to make gender equality a reality for all women in the Bagong Pilipinas.

Objectives

This year’s National Women’s Month Celebration aims to:

Increase awareness and advocacy for gender equality, resulting in greater recognition of women’s equal rights, power, and opportunities across all sectors;;
Enhance the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable sectors of women, including indigenous women, rural women, and women with disabilities, through targeted initiatives that ensure their participation and access to programs and resources promoting inclusive development;
Strengthen multi-sectoral collaboration with government agencies, LGUs, NGOs, CSOs, and other stakeholders, leading to improved policies, access to services, and sustainable opportunities for women; and
Improve policies and gender-responsive governance, ensuring the sustainability of gender equality efforts beyond 2025.

PCW-led activities

Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in or support the activities organized by the PCW in celebration of the 2025 NWMC:

National Women’s Month Celebration Kick-Off Event – An onsite kick-off event will take place on March 5, 2025, featuring a trade fair and booths offering various services to women, particularly from marginalized sectors. These services will include medical services, legal consultation, and other essential services aimed at empowering women. The trade fair will showcase products from women-owned and women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

This event is organized in collaboration with government agencies directly supporting these sectors, alongside NGOs and CSOs working on their behalf.

The event will also serve as a platform for several key initiatives:

Launch of the guidelines for the first-ever State of the Filipino Women regional report;
Recertification of PCW’s partner institutions for GAD Training programs;
The unveiling of the PCW 50th Anniversary Coffee Table Book:
Presentation of country’s strategies moving forward derived from the BPFA country report; and
Launch of the Threads of Empowerment: Weaving Women’s Stories, a year-long nationwide symbolic initiative.

Threads of Empowerment: Weaving Women’s Stories – In the tapestry of time, women’s dreams are the threads that bind generations together—dreams of equality, empowerment, and a brighter future for all.

This year-long initiative, Threads of Empowerment: Weaving Women’s Stories, celebrates the artistry and resilience of women across the Philippines through a symbolic patchwork tapestry. Each government body or women’s group from various regions in the country will contribute a unique design reflecting a specific advocacy or issue, weaving together a collective tapestry of women’s experiences and aspirations.

Crafted with care and artistry, This initiative pays tribute to the cultural and economic contributions of traditional fabric artisans, including quilters, embroidery artists, weavers, and others specializing in the intricate world of textile crafts. By engaging these talented women – particularly those from marginalized communities, the project elevates their exceptional skills, honors their heritage and amplifies their voices. Beyond raising awareness of women’s issues, it fosters solidarity and strengthens the call for gender equality and women’s empowerment. Through partnerships with regional agencies, LGUs, local NGOs, CSOs and other stakeholders, the initiative ensures these voices remain at the forefront, weaving a future where no one is left behind.

Each patch in this symbolic tapestry tells a story, reflects a cause, and represents a dream, whether advocating for better education for young girls to championing economic opportunities for women to addressing health and social justice issues, and more. Together, these stories create a unified narrative of hope, resilience and empowerment, showcasing that no thread stands alone.

Beyond raising awareness of women’s issues, Threads of Empowerment fosters solidarity and strengthens the call for gender equality and women’s empowerment. It inspires women to envision and pursue a society where their dreams know no barriers. Through partnerships with regional agencies, LGUs, local NGOs, CSOs and other stakeholders, the initiative ensures these voices remain at the forefront, weaving a future where no one is left behind. As this patchwork grows, it becomes a testament to women’s unwavering spirit and their dreams for a better tomorrow—a tapestry of empowerment, stitched with hope and bound by determination.

Through Threads of Empowerment: Weaving Women’s Stories, every thread becomes a symbol of transformation, every stitch a step toward equality, and every patch a beacon of empowerment. Together, these contributions create a masterpiece that celebrates the strength, creativity, and dreams of Filipino women.

International Women’s Day Celebration: Herstory –As part of PCW’s 50th anniversary celebration, an online screening of the PCW HerStory Video Documentary will be held. This documentary highlights PCW’s five-decade journey in championing women’s rights, leading progress, and shaping a brighter future for Bagong Pilipinas.

Pakigduyog: Women’s Summit – Organized by the PCW-North Mindanao Field Office, the third Pakigduyog: Women’s Summit will be held in Butuan City, Region XIII (Caraga). The event will feature:

A one-stop shop with booths set up by government agencies offering free services to participants;
A women’s bazaar showcasing products by women-owned and women-led micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs);
A commitment pledge to affirm participants’ support for gender equality and women’s empowerment; and
Breakout sessions led by various government agencies focusing on lectures and workshops on accessible housing options, mental health, financial literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and others.

#JuanaSays 2025 – Now on its 11th year, #JuanaSays campaign will feature statements from women across all walks of life, particularly those from marginalized sectors.

The #JuanaSays campaigns aims to:

Raise awareness on the specific challenges these women wish to highlight.
Spark meaningful conversations;
Inspire action; and
Foster a deeper understanding of the challenges women face in society.

#WEcanbeEquALL – Mobilizing support for the cause of gender equality, the online campaign aims to express our optimism that #WEcanbeEquALL. This hashtag encourages women and everyone (WE) to advocate for equality and inclusivity, ensuring that all individuals—regardless of gender, ability, status, or circumstances—receive the respect and rights they deserve. With the rallying cry #WEcanbeEquALL, no one should be left behind.

2025 NWMC Sticker Pack – a digital collection of stickers featuring empowering messages about gender equality and women’s empowerment. These stickers serve as a powerful means to inject positivity into daily digital interactions while promoting the core values of equality and empowerment. Users can effortlessly incorporate these stickers into their conversations, sparking awareness and encouraging discussions on the critical issue of gender parity.

Suggested Activities for Stakeholders

PCW calls on national and local government offices, non-government organizations, sectoral groups, private entities, civil society organizations, and various stakeholders at the national, regional, and local levels to organize meaningful and relevant activities that directly engage marginalized sectors, as outlined in the Magna Carta of Women. These activities should align with the central theme and sub-themes of the 2025 NWMC and the GAD objectives. Potential activities may include:

NWMC-themed Flag Raising Ceremony – Government agencies and local government units are encouraged to integrate NWMC announcements, reminders, messages, and activities into their Flag Raising Ceremonies during the last week of February and the first week of March (or on other relevant dates). It is strongly recommended that the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang music video be featured in NWMC events. The video can be downloaded from https://library.pcw.gov.ph/lupang-hinirang-all-women-cast/.

For GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Members – Members of the GFPS from agencies tasked with empowering women and girls in marginalized sectors are invited to participate in the onsite event on March 5, 2025. Further updates with specific details will be posted on the NWMC webpage.

Bawat Sektor ng Kababaihan Iaangat! – Under the rallying call to “leave no one behind”, stakeholders are encouraged to organize interactive activities that address the specific issues and concerns of marginalized women. Stakeholders may consider the following suggested activities/events related to this:

Sector-specific dialogues and forums
- Inviting representatives from marginalized sectors, gender experts and advocates to provide insights on empowering women in underrepresented communities and tackling their unique challenges.
Conduct workshops for inclusion and equality
- Conduct of onsite or online workshops on topics, which includes but is not limited to leadership development, financial literacy, digital literacy, mental health and livelihood skills.
- Facilitate small-group discussions to reflect on the importance of inclusion and equality across all sectors of society. This hands-on approach not only raises awareness but actively engages stakeholders in amplifying the voices of marginalized women and creating a supportive environment for their empowerment.
Cultural celebration and awareness events
- Host art exhibits, storytelling sessions, or performances that showcase the traditions, identities, and contributions of marginalized women.
- Organize food and craft fairs featuring products made by marginalized women to highlight their economic and cultural significance.
Community engagement and co-creation sessions
- Arrange visits to communities of marginalized women to understand their challenges better and gather input for policy recommendations.
- Use these sessions to co-create solutions and ensure stakeholders’ interventions are responsive to real needs
Interactive online campaigns
- Launch social media initiatives encouraging marginalized women to share their stories
- Host webinars with inspiring women leaders from marginalized sectors to discuss empowerment strategies.
- Highlight and celebrate the achievements of women leaders from marginalized communities.

GAD Forum / GAD Agenda Setting– Government agencies and local government units (LGUs) are encouraged to hold onsite, virtual, or hybrid activities that address gender issues within their scope, aligned with their respective mandates. These initiatives can focus on tackling gender-related challenges and assessing internal concerns that require immediate attention. Through GAD Agenda Setting, agencies and LGUs can reflect on their GAD journey and strategically plan future initiatives to promote gender-responsive governance. This approach aims to enhance the well-being of both their clients/constituents and internal stakeholders

#GADtoKnow– Agencies and LGUs are encouraged to create, circulate, and/or disseminate information materials (both online and in print) that showcase their gender-responsive programs and services for women. These materials should include simplified steps and requirements for women to access these services. Additionally, participating agencies and stakeholders are urged to develop and distribute various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials related to the National Women’s Month Celebration and relevant women-related laws. Agencies can access these information materials at https://library.pcw.gov.ph.

Our Women’s Month Stories – As PCW celebrates its 50th anniversary and continues to build its #PCW50 HerStory, we encourage all agencies to share their Women’s Month stories through photos, videos, or other forms of media on their social media platforms. Reflecting on how they have celebrated Women’s Month through the years, these stories will not only showcase their ongoing commitment to gender equality but also highlight how the celebration empowers their agency and inspires others to join the movement.

2025 NWMC banner of support–Show that you are for gender equality and inclusive society! Exhibit the National Women’s Month Celebration banner prominently in front of your offices, landmarks, and other designated areas. In addition, upload the digital version to your agency’s or organization’s official website and social media accounts.

#PurpleWednesday, #PurpleYourIcon, #PurpleYourProfile –Show your commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality by wearing purple every Wednesday throughout March. Extend your support by illuminating offices, landmarks, and public spaces with purple elements as a tribute to women and their invaluable contributions to society. Join the online movement by updating your profile picture with PCW’s official frame through #PurpleYourProfile, helping to amplify awareness and engagement in digital spaces. These simple yet impactful actions not only celebrate women but also sparks conversations about the National Women’s Month Celebration.

Musika ng Kababaihan Fridays (#MNKFridays)–Tune into gender equality through melodies and harmony! Every Friday throughout March, share the empowering songs from the MusikJuana Songwriting Contest and other PCW advocacy tunes in office spaces, public and private establishments, parks, and across social media platforms. Let these anthems of women’s empowerment inspire action and amplify the message of gender equality: https://library.pcw.gov.ph/search/?q=musikjuana.

Offer your own “Serbisyo para kay Juana”–Public and private entities that provide direct services, transactions, and products to the public may choose to extend gestures of appreciation to women and girls on International Women’s Day (March 8) and throughout March. These tokens may include freebies, discounts, priority lanes, and other special promotions in honor of the celebration. These events can serve as platforms to showcase initiatives and programs aimed at empowering women. Stakeholders who wish to have their #SerbisyoParaKayJuana activities included in PCW’s official announcements are invited to fill out the form on the NWMC webpage.

Coordination with regional and local GAD mechanisms – Government agencies may facilitate inter-agency efforts to enhance the implementation and monitoring of key legislation, including the Magna Carta of Women and other laws on women’s rights and Gender and Development. Strengthening cooperation at regional and local levels ensures a more cohesive and effective approach to advancing gender equality and empowering women in their communities.

Organize activities in support of the Girl-Child Week and the Women with Disabilities Day Celebration – Everyone is encouraged to join the Girl Child Week, observed every fourth week of March, which is led by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), as well as the Women with Disabilities Day celebration spearheaded annually by the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA).

Use the official collateral designs released by PCW – Stakeholders are encouraged to use the official branding design released by PCW for the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC). The branding guide, standard banner, and sample collateral designs are available for download on the NWMC webpage.

Use the official hashtag: #WEcanbeEquALL – Stakeholders are invited to use this hashtag to express their dedication, showcase their activities, engage in online conversations, and share their commitments and action plans for advancing gender equality and fostering an inclusive society.

Support PCW’s online advocacy – Maximize the digital sphere to amplify the advocacy by promoting PCW’s official social media accounts and creating NWMC campaigns tailored to your agency using the 2025 NWMC digital collaterals.

Be featured in the NWMC Calendar of Activities and Activity Photos – The PCW encourages agencies with planned activities to share the details with the Commission for inclusion in the NWMC Calendar of Activities. Additionally, agencies are invited to submit photos of their events for potential posting on PCW’s Facebook page, pending review and compliance with deadlines. Activity lineups and photos can be submitted via the links provided on the NWMC webpage.

2025 NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH