“Gender Inequality in the labor market in the Philippines”

Gender inequality in the labor market is a critical issue in the Philippines, impeding
economic progress and perpetuating social injustices, and the victims of this issue is
mostly women.

women’s labor force participation remains persistently low. At just 49%, the Philippines’
female labor force participation in 2019 was one of the lowest in the EAP region (regional
average rate is 59%). In contrast, 76% of Filipino men were in the labor force, creating a
massive gender gap. This is according to worldabank.org

Women’s low labor force participation represents a missed opportunity for economic
growth and increased prosperity in the Philippines. Increasing job opportunities and
decent work for women are essential for advancing economic and social development in
countries, because many women continue to experience gender inequalities at work.

Addressing this issue requires affirmative action to promote gender diversity in political
representation and leadership positions. It is also crucial to address the cultural and
societal norms that prevent women from accessing these positions.

To address gender issues in the Philippines, it is important to focus on systemic change

that addresses the root causes of gender inequality

The government of the Philippines establishes the Gender and Development (GAD) to
overcome this specific issue. The government is also promoting women's rights and to
eliminate discrimination. According to the Magna Carta of Women, Republic Act No 8720
states that "All government departments, including their attached agencies, offices,
bureaus, state universities, and colleges, government-owned and controlled corporations,
local government units and all other government instrumentalities shall adopt gender
mainstreaming as a strategy to promote women's human rights and eliminate gender
discrimination in their systems, structures, policies, programs. processes, and
procedures.

The Philippine government has taken steps to address gender inequality by implementing
and enforcing these laws. The efforts that is include are awareness campaigns, gender
sensitivity training, the establishment of Gender and Development (GAD) offices within
government agencies. However, challenges persist, and continuous efforts are required
to ensure effective implementation and address emerging issues.
Also one of the main cause is the differences in education choices, preferred job industry,
work experience, number of hours, and breaks in employment. While men go into higher
paid and higher risk jobs when compared to women.

In my opinion the best way to resolve this issue is to strengthen enforcement

mechanisms, introduce penalties for non-compliance, and address gaps in existing laws.

Additionally to encourage companies to adopt gender-inclusive policies, provide equal

opportunities, and promote diversity in leadership.

It is very important for women and men to be fair or equally in terms in politics on our
society because achieving gender equality requires the engagement of women and men,
girls and boys. It is everyone’s responsibility.

Let the women take the turn to fight in the battle field because if men have strength then
women have the voice.

“Human rights are women’s rights, and women rights are human rights” – Hillary
Clinton.

References:

www.adb.org (Asian Development Bank)

www.ilo.org (International labor Organizations)

www.scribd.com (Scribd)

www.gsis.gov.ph (Government service Insurance System)

www.philguarantee.gov.ph (Philippine Guarantee)