Center for Women's Resources (CWR)

𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗹𝗱, 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄: 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼-𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Center for Women's Resources Statements and Media Releases May 10, 2025May 10, 2025 0 Comment

With the upcoming midterm elections on Monday, May 12, the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) calls on women to fulfill their democratic responsibility by voting candidates who have been proven to advance the interests of women and the people.

Since women were granted suffrage in 1937, Filipinos have elected two women presidents and have had a women’s party list in Congress. However, their government representation and engagement in political dialogues and movements remain hindered by societal norms, roles, and stereotypes. Out of the 13,586 elected positions in 2022, only 4,141 (30.47%) were held by women, with many being placeholders to the position of their incumbent male relatives. Political dynasties have long used these tactics to maintain power.

With this political landscape, women’s voices remain unheard and sidelined in the formulation of policies and programs. In the current political system where power revolves around a few, they are systematically denied a genuine voice and decision-making power. Hence, the elections are a critical avenue in advancing women’s demands amidst the worsening economic and political crisis that disproportionately impact their lives.

In 2016, women presented a call for “CHANGE”—Comprehensive social services, Human rights, peace and social justice, Anti-discrimination and Violence Against Women and Children, National sovereignty, Genuine land reform and National Industrialization, and Environmental protection. Almost ten years later, women’s call for real change still stands.

The fulfillment of these demands is only possible if those elected in the upcoming elections are truly patriotic, pro-women and have a strong commitment to dismantle neoliberal policies that have plunged the country into a deep crisis. This can only happen by also promoting a politics of change that rejects traditional politics. This means promoting a kind of leadership that is accountable and puts the democratic interests of the people, including the women’s agenda, above all. It must be emphasized that women’s political participation does not begin and end with voting or elections. Continuous engagement in issues affecting women and society is essential. Women know that they must rely on their organized action to achieve real change in the country’s governance and economic system. The real challenge remains: women need to further strengthen their voices, take action, and continue to organize and strengthen their ranks.

Nevertheless, the upcoming elections and policymaking in general remain a vital arena in advancing our demands and in addressing gender disparities. Amidst the dominance of pro-Marcos and pro-Duterte candidates, women must ensure genuine representation by rejecting corrupt and self-serving candidates, and instead vote for candidates that carry with them our demands.

Women’s Political Participation Survey Center for Women’s Resources

Before women were allowed to vote and take part in politics, the 1935 Constitution only allowed male Filipino citizens aged 21 or older to vote. Like every hard-fought and earned democratic right in the country, the right for women to vote was a significant milestone in the fight for women’s political participation and representation in government.

The right of women to participate in political and public life is protected both by international conventions and by Philippine law. The 1987 Constitution guarantees gender equality and affirms women’s vital role in nation-building, including their right to vote and hold public office. This is reinforced by the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), which mandates the elimination of discrimination and calls for increased women’s participation in leadership and decision-making.

Despite advancements, women’s involvement in politics, including running for office and engaging in political dialogues and movements, continues to be a challenge. Some of these barriers include societal norms and gender roles, and stereotypes that hinder women’s full participation.

According to COMELEC’s Election Records and Statistics Division, of the 65.7 million eligible voters for the 2022 elections, 33.6 million are women, while 32.07 million are men. This indicates that there are 1.5 million more female registered voters than male voters. The voter turnout for women was 82.43% in 2016 and 76.16% in the 2019 elections, slightly higher than the male voter turnout at 81.43% and 75.62%, respectively.

As of the 19th Congress, there are seven women senators out of 24 (29%) and 85 women representatives out of 311 (27.3%). Out of the 13,586 elected positions in 2022, only 4,141 (30.47%) were held by women, with many being placeholders for term-limited incumbents who are male family members. Political dynasties have often used these tactics to maintain power. The country has also elected two women presidents in the past and has had a women’s party list in Congress since 2004.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reported that at least 43,033 individuals have submitted their certificates of candidacy for the 2025 national elections. Among them, male candidates significantly outnumber female candidates, with 33,652 males, accounting for 78%, compared to 9,381 or 22% females.

The situation prompts an inquiry into how women vote in the Philippines. Women’s rights advocates will tell us there is no “women’s vote.” Thus, this survey aims to delve into how women vote, exploring the factors that influence their choice of candidate and whether they prioritize platforms that promote women’s rights. It also seeks to examine the role of gender in the political process and understand what issues make up the women’s agenda.

Download: https://centerforwomensresources.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WPP-2025-Survey-Results.pdf

Women workers unite for living wages, decent work, and labor rights!

Center for Women's Resources In the News May 1, 2025May 10, 2025 0 Comment

May 01, 2025

As we commemorate International Labor Day, the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) honors the strength, struggles, and contributions of all working women across the country and around the world.

At the same time, we raise urgent alarm over the continuing crisis of labor exploitation, discrimination, and insecurity—conditions brought by neoliberal policies in labor that disproportionately affect Filipino women and must shape the choices we make in the coming elections.

In recent years, mass layoffs have devastated working-class communities. From 2020 to 2024, over 17,000 workers, mostly women in garments and electronics, lost their jobs in the Mactan Export Processing Zone. Layoffs continue to rise in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector as AI threatens 300,000 jobs, with women among the most vulnerable. In Davao del Sur, 3,200 contractual workers at Franklin Baker Inc. were placed on “floating status” with no assurance of reemployment or income.

Due to contractualization and low wages, women are more likely to experience discrimination, harassment, and poor working conditions. The largest number of contractual workers is found in major sectors (wholesale and retail trade, other service activities, accommodation and food service activities, and manufacturing). According to the Integrated Survey on Labor and Employment 2021/2022 (ISLE) data, there are only 392,007 women non-regular workers in establishments with 20 or more workers.

Contractualization remains rampant, even in institutions that should uphold labor standards. The government itself employs nearly a million contractual workers, with women accounting for almost four in every ten under job order or contract of service arrangements. These workers are excluded from the most basic benefits and protections, a betrayal of the state’s duty to uphold secure employment and quality public service.

Under the Marcos Jr. administration, only two small wage increases were implemented—insufficient against the skyrocketing prices of goods and services. Meanwhile, the gender wage gap persists. A 2022 Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) study indicated that women in digital jobs earn 18.4% less than men. In agriculture, women earn only 92 centavos for every peso paid to their male counterparts. Limited data on the gender wage gap further obscures the real scale of inequality.

Workplace violence and harassment also remain widespread. In a survey by the Lloyd Register Foundation and Gallup Report, 22% of women have experienced violence and sexual harassment at work. The majority of those who responded – 47% of women — did not report the incident due to fear of retaliation and the belief that nothing would happen if they reported it. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), many cases of sexual harassment are underreported, with only 30% of victims filing complaints due to fear of retaliation and lack of support from the company or workplace.

Worse, union and labor repression is on the rise. Only 4.5% of workers were unionized in 2022, down from 6.3% in 2018. Women’s participation in unions is still lower than men’s, especially in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as manufacturing and construction. According to the 2024 Global Rights Index, the Philippines has been on the list of the ten worst countries for workers for eight consecutive years.

The upcoming elections must be a time of reckoning. In CWR’s recent electoral survey, women themselves have made clear that jobs, livelihood, wages, and income—along with addressing the rising cost of living—are the top issues they face today. This affirms the urgent need for concrete policies and actions toward uplifting of women’s lives.

We call on Filipino women, and all voters, to reject candidates who tolerate or perpetuate labor exploitation. Instead, we must elect leaders who will champion the women’s and people’s call for living wages, decent work, and labor rights. #

Stand for women’s dignity, no vote for misogynists!

Center for Women's Resources Statements and Media Releases April 4, 2025April 5, 2025 0 Comment

The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) strongly condemns the misogynistic and degrading remarks made by Pasig bet Atty. Christian “Ian” Sia during a recent public event, where he crudely objectified solo mothers, who make up 14 million of the 15 million Filipino solo parents.

His statements are a clear violation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution 1116, Magna Carta of Women, Safe Spaces Act, and the Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act — laws that uphold the dignity, rights, and welfare of women.

CWR reiterates that women must be respected at all times and not be reduced to sexist jokes or treated as objects of ridicule. There are many cases of single mothers who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by their partners, and making jokes at their expense exacerbates their suffering. Amid the intensifying economic crisis and rising costs of living, solo mothers, in particular, carry immense burden. They deserve support, not disrespect.

This public display of sexism and misogyny is a blatant disregard for women and are clear indicators of his lack of seriousness and respect, qualities that will undoubtedly shape his leadership should he secure a seat in the upcoming elections. A leader who holds such views is unlikely to advocate for the rights and dignity of women, and instead will perpetuate the same dismissive and harmful mindset in positions of power.

We urge the COMELEC to investigate this incident, enforce ethical and gender-sensitive standards among candidates, and ensure a safe and inclusive electoral process.

We call on all women to stand firm against candidates who demean rather than protect and uplift women. The campaign period must be a space to hear the issues, concerns, and agenda of women.

May this serve as a reminder and a warning to all candidates: women are not props for campaigns. We will not tolerate the use of sexist humor, objectification, or discrimination in any form. Such individuals perpetuating misogyny and exemplifying regressive principles have no place in leadership. #

🌸 CWR at DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS NPMO National Women’s Month Seminar! 🌸

Center for Women's Resources Events April 2, 2025April 7, 2025 0 Comment

Our Executive Director, Ms. Cham Perez, served as one of the resource persons at the National Women’s Month Seminar with the theme “Juana in Action: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures” last March 28, organized by Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services National Program Management Office (KALAHI-CIDSS NPMO) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Ms. Perez shared key insights on the national women’s situation, the challenges they face, and the ways forward to breaking barriers in women’s participation in non-traditional employment.