The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) highlighted the importance of achieving "true gender equality" during the kick-off of the 2025 National Women's Month Celebration (NWMC).

To promote inclusive policies, amplify women’s voices, and address persistent gender gaps through a series of nationwide activities and advocacy campaigns, PCW led the 2025 NWMC kick-off event on March 5 at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, in partnership with SM Cares.

In her welcome remarks, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. Vice President Jessica Bianca Sy reiterated SM’s support for PCW and its initiatives to empower and uplift the lives of Filipino women.

During the presentation of the State of the Filipino Women Report based on the BPfA Country Report, PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla underscored the importance of sustaining initiatives to promote and achieve true gender equality.

“Time and again, we have been challenged, and without fail, we continue to rise above and break barriers,” Valdeavilla said.

“We will not slow down, we will not give in, and we will not give up — in 2025 and beyond, we will ride the momentum of our gains and maximize our opportunities in this digital era,” she added.

2025 NWMC kick-off

From 2023 to 2028, the recurring NWMC campaign is anchored on the theme, “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society.”

For 2025, the sub-theme is “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.”

According to the PCW, the sub-theme highlights the importance of reaching women from all sectors—particularly those from marginalized and vulnerable groups—and ensuring that gender equality initiatives lead to meaningful, tangible improvements in their lives.

The NWMC kick-off seeks to empower women from various sectors—especially those in marginalized communities—by providing access to essential services, learning opportunities, and inclusive spaces for engagement.

PCW said the event served as a platform to “promote gender equality, raise awareness on women's rights, and equip participants with valuable knowledge and resources that can help improve their well-being and economic opportunities.”

Among the event’s highlights were: service booths offering free medical check-ups, legal consultations, and livelihood support; the presentation of the State of the Filipino Women Report, which provides insights into the country’s progress in achieving gender equality; and the unveiling of the PCW 50th Anniversary Coffee Table Book, commemorating five decades of advocacy for women's rights.

The kick-off also launched “Threads of Empowerment: Weaving Women’s Stories,” which aims to document and share the stories of women across various regions.

Additionally, a comprehensive lecture series will be conducted, covering topics such as Financial Literacy, Digital Safety, Digital Careers, Fire Safety, Disaster Resilience, Mental and Physical Health, and Microfinancing—equipping women with the knowledge and skills essential for their empowerment and resilience in various aspects of life.

Road to true gender equality

In its message for NWMC, the PCW assured Filipinos that it will continue to push for “true gender equality.”

“The road to true gender equality is long and thorny, and the challenges are great—but so is our determination,” PCW said.

“We will not slow down. We will not turn back. We will draw strength from each other, and we will only push forward,” it added.

However, PCW emphasized that “gender equality is not a distant goal—it is a fight we take on every day, in every choice we make, and in every barrier we break.”

“We are not waiting for change; we are driving it. We are not asking for space; we are reclaiming it,” PCW said.

“We are not just empowering women; we are redefining power itself and using it for the betterment of all, especially those who are marginalized and already being left behind,” it added.

PCW also reiterated its solidarity with women and all other groups.

“Let us make this Women’s Month more than a celebration—let us turn this into a movement,” the Commission said.

“A movement defined by actions and results, with evidence of real change in the lives of women,” PCW explained. "A movement that will ensure our voices will not be silenced, our progress will not be reversed, and our vision for a just, inclusive, and equal society will not be denied,” it added.