The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) said the road to gender equality is "long and difficult" as it cited data from the Gender Gap Report 2022 showing that it can take about 135.6 years to attain equality for genders.

Citing more studies, the Commission noted that the COVID-19 pandemic "could reverse the progress towards gender parity," with the global health crisis worsening inequalities, exposing gender gaps, and exacerbating vulnerabilities in social, political, and economic aspects.
With that, PCW urged legislators to "be our partners" in eradicating discriminatory provisions in existing laws and developing policies that can "promote, not curtail, women's rights."
"But while laws and policies are vital, they are not sufficient. We have put to life into laws, programs, and projects by ensuring that these translate to concrete changes that are felt by women in the grassroots," PCW said.
"We call on the government agencies, private institutions, civil society organizations, academe, local government units from provinces to barangays, and every person to help address the continuing and emerging issues that slow down our progress towards equality," the Commission added.
PCW also called on agencies and stakeholders "to be proactive" in their Gender and Development efforts "so we will not backslide in this endeavor."
"The key is ensuring a gender-responsive and inclusive COVID-19 recovery, a post-pandemic backdrop founded on basic human rights and equities where no Juana is left behind."