Philippine policies for women

MARCH is women's month, and it is a good time to be reminded that it is the State's policy to recognize the role of women in nation-building and to ensure the fundamental quality before the law of women and men (1987 Constitution, Article II, Section 14). Pursuant to this constitutional provision, the Philippine Congress has enacted laws that ensure protection of women, and our Supreme Court, in numerous cases, emphasized the country's stand on the protection of women.

Republic Act 9710 (RA) or the "Magna Carta of Women" provides that the State shall affirm the role of women in nation-building, ensure the substantive equality of women and men, promote empowerment of women, pursue equal opportunities for women and men, and ensure equal access to resources, development results and outcomes. It also provides that the State shall condemn discrimination against women in all its forms and pursue by all appropriate means and without delay the policy of eliminating discrimination against women. Women are to be accorded the rights, protection and opportunities available to every member of society.