By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — As the nation commemorates the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) emphasized that genuine freedom extends beyond national sovereignty and must include equality, dignity, and opportunity for every Filipino.
In its Independence Day statement, the PCW stressed that the country’s continuing pursuit of freedom remains incomplete as long as discrimination, inequality, and barriers to opportunity persist, particularly for women and girls.
The agency underscored that true independence is meaningful only when every citizen can fully enjoy their rights and participate in society without fear, discrimination, or exclusion. For women and girls, this means living free from violence, having equal access to education and employment, and being able to assume leadership roles in their communities and institutions.
The commission noted that women once held significant influence in pre-colonial Philippine society, citing the Babaylans who served as respected spiritual leaders, healers, and custodians of knowledge. However, centuries of colonial rule altered social structures and reinforced norms that limited women’s authority and participation in public life.
According to the PCW, the effects of these historical inequalities continue to be felt today through gender-based violence, discrimination in the workplace, unequal caregiving responsibilities, and the underrepresentation of women in decision-making positions.
The agency pointed to the experiences of women and girls who continue to endure abuse, harassment, and prejudice, emphasizing that these incidents are not isolated cases but reflections of broader social challenges that require collective action.
The commission further stressed that the family often plays a critical role in either challenging or perpetuating gender inequality, making it essential to promote values of respect, equality, and protection within households and communities.
Anchored on international human rights commitments such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and Republic Act No. 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women, the PCW reaffirmed its commitment to advancing policies that protect and promote the rights of women and girls.
For the 20th and 21st Congress, the agency is pushing for 18 priority legislative measures under its Women’s Priority Legislative Agenda aimed at removing discriminatory provisions and strengthening gender equality both in law and in practice.
As Filipinos celebrate another year of independence, the PCW called on all sectors of society to help build a nation where equality is not merely guaranteed on paper but experienced in everyday life.
“A truly independent Philippines,” the commission said, “is one where every woman and every girl is free to become who she is meant to be.”
ia.xf
