Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday sought closer cooperation with female lawmakers to advance women's rights and promote gender equality. During the oath-taking of the newly elected officers of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI) of the 20th Congress, Marcos acknowledged that Filipino women remain underrepresented in governance and the labor force.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos noted that as of January 2026, the country suffered a drop to 86th from its 82nd worldwide ranking in December 2022 in terms of women serving in national parliaments. He added that only 50.7 percent of women were part of the labor force, lower than the 74 percent participation rate among men.
Marcos emphasized that these realities remind the nation that empowering women requires sustained action-from expanding opportunities in education and employment to ensuring greater representation in leadership and governance. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to broadening opportunities for women, ensuring they are heard, respected, and empowered in society.
The President stated that his administration would continue implementing programs aimed at advancing Filipino women's welfare and protecting them from any kind of violence. Women would receive capital assistance, skills training, and employment facilitation through the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Sustainable Livelihood Program.
Marcos highlighted that collective efforts to advance the rights and welfare of women are contributing to national progress. He recognized the AWLFI's crucial role in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment, citing the organization's composition of female leaders across all political affiliations.
The AWLFI is a non-partisan organization composed of all women legislators in the House of Representatives, working to advance the women's legislative agenda and lobbying for the passage of legislative initiatives to strengthen women's and children's welfare. These initiatives include the Magna Carta for Women, Anti-Violence against Women and Children Act, and Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
