PCW in 47 years: Driven and Proven, Soaring High Towards its Golden Year

Summary

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has been a driving force for gender equality and women's empowerment in the Philippines for 47 years. Established in 1975, the PCW has championed policies and legislation to protect women’s rights, promote their roles in development, and address gender-based violence. Key milestones include the enactment of the Magna Carta of Women and the Safe Spaces Act, as well as the implementation of the Gender and Development (GAD) budget. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PCW adapted through digital platforms, continuing its advocacy and fostering gender-responsive governance across the country.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has been empowering Filipino women for 47 years, focusing on gender equality and women's empowerment.
• 😀 The PCW was established in 1975 in response to the UN's call to integrate women's concerns into government systems, making it Asia's first national women's machinery.
• 😀 PCW's initial efforts included the 1977 'Balikatan Saka Unlaran' program, which aimed to address poverty by expanding women's roles in economic, social, and political activities.
• 😀 In 1981, the Philippines ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), affirming women's reproductive rights and challenging traditional gender roles.
• 😀 In the 1980s, PCW advocated for the Gender and Development (GAD) mainstreaming strategy, ensuring that government policies, programs, and projects address gender issues.
• 😀 Landmark laws passed in the 1990s included Republic Acts 6725 (eliminating workplace discrimination) and 6949 (declaring March 8 as National Women's Day).
• 😀 The 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPFA) influenced the creation of the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development, the blueprint for mainstreaming gender in the government.
• 😀 Major milestones during the 2000s included the passing of Republic Acts 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act) and 9710 (Magna Carta of Women), strengthening women's rights and protections.
• 😀 PCW adapted to the digital age during the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning to online activities like webinars and training, ensuring continued gender mainstreaming efforts.
• 😀 PCW promoted gender equality through multiple media campaigns, including a songwriting contest in 2021, and collaborated with key sectors to address issues like violence against women, economic empowerment, and gender-responsive education.

Q & A

What was the initial role of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) when it was first established?

The PCW was initially established as the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women in 1975 through Presidential Decree No. 633, with the mandate to address women's concerns and integrate them into national development efforts.

What significant milestone did the Philippines achieve in 1981 concerning women's rights?

In 1981, the Philippines ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which is considered the international women's bill of rights, affirming reproductive rights and challenging cultural gender biases.

How did the PCW contribute to poverty alleviation in the 1970s?

In 1977, the PCW organized the Balikatan Saka Unlaran program, which aimed to address poverty by expanding women's roles in economic, social, and political activities, ultimately helping around 3 million women leaders.

What is the Gender and Development (GAD) Budget Policy, and when was it introduced?

The GAD Budget Policy, introduced in 1995, mandates all government agencies and local government units to allocate at least 5% of their total budget for gender-responsive programs and projects.

What was the impact of the 1995 Beijing Declaration on the Philippine government's approach to gender equality?

The Philippines adopted the 1995 Beijing Declaration, and the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (PPGD) became the framework for implementing gender mainstreaming across government institutions and promoting women's participation in development.

What is the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), and why is it significant?

The Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), enacted in 2009, is a landmark law that expands the functions of the PCW and ensures the protection and empowerment of women by institutionalizing gender equality in government programs and policies.

How did the PCW adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021?

The PCW adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to online activities, including webinars on GAD concepts and gender mainstreaming tools, and provided virtual support and technical assistance to government agencies and local governments.

What is the 'How to Be an Agender Responsive Legislator' handbook, and who was it created for?

The 'How to Be an Agender Responsive Legislator' (HDRL) handbook was created to help legislators, staff, and technical staff understand and incorporate gender perspectives in legislative processes. It was launched in partnership with the House of Representatives.

What are some of the key laws enacted by the Philippine government to protect women in the 21st century?

Key laws enacted to protect women include the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act (RA 9262), the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208), and the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), which aims to eliminate gender-based violence and harassment.

How has the PCW strengthened its relationships with various sectors in the past decade?

The PCW has strengthened its relationships with various sectors by signing agreements with the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and others to integrate gender perspectives into peace, security, and environmental efforts.