The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has emphasized that genuine women’s empowerment should not be measured solely by financial independence but must also recognize personal agency, dignity, and the economic value of unpaid care work.
In observance of the United Nations International Day of Care and Support on October 29, the commission called for greater recognition of the contributions of stay-at-home parents and caregivers while reaffirming its support for women’s economic rights and financial security.
PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla said financial independence remains essential in protecting women from economic abuse and vulnerability, but stressed that empowerment encompasses more than earning an income.
“We strongly champion women’s economic rights and financial independence because they provide life-saving protection against economic abuse and vulnerability,” Valdeavilla said.
“At the same time, we must recognize that empowerment cannot be measured by a payslip alone. Care work is an essential economic engine that sustains society. An empowered Filipina is defined by her agency: her right to make informed choices for her life and family, whether in the boardroom, the frontlines of labor, or the home, and to have that contribution honored with equal dignity,” she added.
The commission welcomed recent national discussions on women’s self-reliance, particularly those promoting financial literacy, livelihood opportunities, and economic independence.
However, it emphasized that efforts to strengthen women’s financial capabilities should complement, rather than diminish, the contributions of individuals who devote their time to caring for children, older family members, and other dependents.
According to the PCW, unpaid care work plays a significant role in sustaining households and supporting economic activity, despite often receiving limited recognition.
The commission stressed that women should have the freedom to make informed decisions about their personal and professional lives without facing discrimination or being judged solely on their employment status.
It also underscored the importance of shared responsibility within households, urging men to take a more active role in domestic duties and caregiving.
The PCW said achieving gender equality requires coordinated efforts among families, employers, government agencies, and other institutions to address the unequal distribution of care responsibilities.
As part of these efforts, the commission called on the public and private sectors to increase investments in the care economy.
Among the measures it identified were the expansion of accessible public daycare facilities, paid parental leave benefits, and flexible work arrangements that would allow parents and caregivers to balance family responsibilities with employment.
The commission noted that inadequate support for caregiving responsibilities can limit women’s employment opportunities, affect their well-being, and prevent them from pursuing career advancement.
Strengthening social support systems, it said, would help ensure that women are not forced to choose between earning a livelihood and fulfilling caregiving responsibilities.
The PCW reiterated that women’s empowerment should be grounded in equal opportunities, respect for individual choices, and recognition of contributions made both inside and outside the workplace.
It emphasized that advancing gender equality requires not only improving women’s access to economic opportunities but also recognizing care work as an essential contribution to families, communities, and the broader economy.
