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| Representatives of UN GTG, PH Commission on Women, and SM Cares during the ceremonial lighting of the SM Mall of Asia globe which marked the start if the Philippines' observance of Women's Month (Image Source: UNFPA Philippines/Kisha Beringuela) |
United Nations Gender Thematic Group (GTG), The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and SM Cares jointly led the ceremonial lighting of the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) globe which marked the start of the Philippines’ observance of Women’s Month. This year's theme, "Babae Sa Lahat Ng Sektor, Aangat Ang Bukas Sa Bagong Pilipinas", reinforces the core objective of Republic Act 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women — to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities. The 2025 celebration also serves as the third installment of the 2023-2028 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) campaign banner “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society”. This initiative aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which envisions “deep economic and social transformation to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on a high-growth path.”
In line with PCW’s Purple Your Icon advocacy, several SM malls nationwide including Aura, Clark, Seaside Cebu, Fairview, North EDSA, Sto. Tomas, BF Paranaque, Mall of Asia, and Megamall are illuminating their facades in purple since last February 28, 2025. Throughout Women’s Month in March, select LED screens inside and outside the participating malls as well as the digital directories of the malls will feature the call for upholding fundamental rights for all women and girls. PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla emphasized, “This is more than just lighting up spaces in purple — it is a declaration of women’s enduring impact on society and a challenge to turn awareness into action. Let this be a spark that fuels real, lasting change.” The Philippines’ campaign also aligns with the United Nations’ global theme for International Women’s Day, “For ALL Women And Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”. Similar to the country’s focus this year, the 2025 UN campaign calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all. The campaign recognizes the crucial role of youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls, as agents of change — emphasizing women as catalysts for progress and key decision-makers in building a more inclusive and equitable society. However, persistent barriers continue to hinder women's full participation in economic and social development. According to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), in the Asia-Pacific region, women spend an average of 2.6 to 5.5 hours a day on unpaid labor. “Women’s disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work limit their economic opportunities,” said UN GTG Chairperson and UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Leila Joudane.
UN GTG supports the call for inclusive progress and equal opportunities that addresses issues on marginalization and economic violence against women through promoting an enabling environment where women can thrive and not just survive. Dr. Joudane added, “The time spent on unpaid labor by women can actually provide significant economic advantage individually. If recognized and redistributed, it could even drive significant economic growth in the Philippines. Addressing this imbalance requires ensuring women’s access to paid employment, sexual and reproductive health services, and policies that support a future where every woman from every sector has the opportunity to thrive.” SM Cares, the social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, is deeply committed to championing women's empowerment, health, and welfare. Through various initiatives, SM strives to build a future where every woman is empowered to reach her full potential. “In SM there is no more glass ceiling to break as women leaders have reached the pinnacle of success in the organization. We ensure that our malls are all inclusive malls where everyone is welcome and no one is left behind including women and girls,” said SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President of SM Supermalls and SM Cares Program Director for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley.
SM, throughout the years, has provided economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs, along with institutionalized equal pay and opportunities for its stakeholders. Atty. Turley added, “The ‘Purple Illumination’ of our malls, MOA Globe and other assets is the strongest proof and testament to our commitment and support for women’s rights, empowerment and equality.” UN GTG, PCW and SM Cares urge everyone to take action by organizing activities that champion this year’s advocacy, strengthening the movement toward a more inclusive, equitable, empowered and sustainable future for all women in the Philippines.
