Author: Center for Women's Resources

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

Center for Women's Resources Research, Databank, and Library, Resources 0 Comment

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!

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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 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 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.

#JuanaInAction #BreakingBarriers #WomensMonth

📸 DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS NPMO

Amplify the Calls for Land, Rights, and Justice!

Center for Women's Resources Statements and Media Releases 0 Comment

The Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) stands in solidarity with the farmers of Central Luzon, especially women farmers, who embarked on a week-long protest caravan to amplify their calls against the rapid and aggressive land use conversion that threatens their livelihoods, food security, and the right to till the land.

CWR echoes the concerns raised by the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) regarding the devastating effects of the Marcos administration’s Build Better More (BBM) program, which continues the Duterte administration’s Build Build Build (BBB) infrastructure projects.

Infrastructure projects under the Central Luzon Development Program (CLDP) are causing massive farmland loss that exacerbate the displacement of farmers and endangering local food production.

Central Luzon, the country’s rice granary, contributes nearly 20% of national rice production and has the largest harvested rice area in the Philippines.
However, this crucial agricultural region is now under threat as the government prioritizes urban expansion, commercial hubs, and road networks aimed at accelerating business activities and boosting profit of local and foreign businesses – often at the expense of agricultural sustainability.

According to KMP’s analysis of the latest Census on Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF), farmland in Central Luzon has decreased by 18.44% over the past decade. This decline is driven by land conversion for infrastructure projects such as the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLex), the North Luzon East Expressway (NLEE), and New Clark City, among others.

These developments result in reduced agricultural production and displace farmers from their homes and communities. They also aggravate the impacts of climate crises such as flooding and landslides.

The lack of government support services for farmers further drives farming families deeper into poverty. A woman farmer from MAKISAMA in Hacienda Tinang, Tarlac, lamented the absence of subsidies for farm inputs and irrigation, compounded by the low prices of agricultural produce.

“Napakamura ng palay, umaabot lang sa Php 11 hanggang Php 15 per kilo ang palay, pero napakalaking puhunan ang nagagastos ng mga magsasaka. Kung sana ay may suportang serbisyo mula sa gobyerno, makakabawas ito kahit papaano sa gastos ng mga magsasaka.” (The price of palay is very low, ranging only from Php 11 to Php 15 per kilo, but farmers spend a huge amount on production. If only there were support services from the government, it would at least help reduce the farmers’ expenses.)

To sustain their production, many women farmers are forced to borrow from lending institutions with high-interest rates. Instead of relief, they find themselves trapped in a cycle of deepening debt.

“May mga pagkakataon na napipilitang mangutang sa lending na may mataas na interes para lang mabili ang mga pangangailangan para magtanim, tapos kapag anihan halos wala nang matitira dahil ibabayad lang sa pinag-utangan.” (There are times when people are forced to borrow from lenders with high interest rates just to buy the necessities for planting. Then, when it’s time to harvest, almost nothing is left because everything goes to paying off the debt.)

This worsening situation allows landlords and big businesses to exploit farmers’ financial struggles, pressuring them to sell their lands, which are then converted into commercial or non-agricultural properties. This further exacerbates the issue of landlessness and food insecurity.

Additionally, when farmers call for subsidies or demand a halt to infrastructure projects that displace them, they face various forms of repression, including surveillance, direct threats, and intimidation from police, military, and private goons working for landlords and businesses.

CWR strongly supports the demands of farmers in Central Luzon for agricultural subsidies and genuine rural development programs. We support their call to prioritize protecting farmlands and ensuring food security instead of promoting land conversion for commercial and infrastructure projects that undermine the country’s agricultural sector.

We urge everyone to stand with the farmers of Central Luzon in their fight to protect agricultural lands, to secure their right to land and livelihood, and our right to food sovereignty. #