National Women's Month Celebration

History

This observation traces its roots in different movements in the 1900s, particularly in the United States of America, with garment workers fighting for their economic rights and fair work hours.

In 1911, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19 and was participated by millions of men and women. However, a tragic incident led to the changing of this date. On March 25, 1911, 140 working women died in a fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York City. This brought to light the unfair labor practices and inhumane working conditions that women workers faced and led to several rallies.

In Europe, the Socialist Women’s International Conference recommended March 8 to be the International Women’s Day, not only to commemorate the women workers in the New York fire, but also to lobby issues concerning women. Since 1913, IWD has been observed annually on March 8. In 1975, the UN formally designated this as the day of celebration of achievements of all women around the world and propel change in terms of gender equality.

In December 1977, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming a UN Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by Member States, in accordance with their historical and national traditions.

In 1995, Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a historic roadmap signed by 189 governments, focused on 12 critical areas of concern: (1) women and poverty; (2) education and training of women; (3) women and health; (4) violence against women; (5) women and armed conflict; (6) women and the economy; (7) women in power and decision-making; (8) institutional mechanisms; (9) human rights of women; (10) women and media; (11) women and the environment; (12) the girl child.

In the Philippines, the following issuances serve as legal bases for the annual national campaign:

• Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988 declaring the first week of March each year as Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day
• Proclamation No. 227 s. 1988 providing for the observance of the Month of March as Women’s Role in History Month
• Republic Act (RA) 6949 s. 1990 declaring March 8 of every year as National Women’s Day.

The 2025 sub-theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas” reflects our resolute vision for a nation where every woman—regardless of background or circumstance—thrives. It envisions a Bagong Pilipinas where women fully enjoy their rights, have equal access to opportunities, and live free from gender bias, violence, and discrimination.

(c) Philippine Commission on Women

Focus for the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration

Grounded on the objective of transforming culture toward a more equal and inclusive future, the 2024 NWMC bears the sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan!” It echoes the target outcomes of Chapter 15 in the Updated Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Plan 2019-2025 towards transforming gender norms and culture.

With “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the 2024 sub-theme calls for a Bagong Pilipinas where women are given equitable opportunities and not hindered by gender biases and discriminatory stereotypes. “Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, patutunayan!,” aims to showcase and harness the full potentials of women and girls in actively engaging in and reaping the benefits of national growth and development. However, achieving this requires an enabling environment free from discriminatory values, stereotypes, beliefs, treatment, and portrayal of women and girls across family, religion, education, sports, media, and other relevant institutions. The vision extends to government agencies and institutions incorporating gender mainstreaming in the bureaucracy, men joining the cause for equality, and establishing a legal framework that supports the protection of marginalized groups of women, including the girl child, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, Muslims, and those with diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE).

(c) Philippine Commission on Women 

2017-2022 NWMC theme: WE Make CHANGE Work for Women

The 2017-2022 NWMC generally aims to:

• inform and engage women as stakeholders of government programs and services – to promote citizen-centric governance and make “change” a conscious effort to know, understand, and provide what ALL citizens need
• create and facilitate platforms to discuss good practices, gaps, challenges, and commitments in pursuing gender and development (GAD) – to strengthen implementation of the Magna Carta of Women
• inspire and empower women and girls to be agents of change – to contribute in promoting gender equality and the empowerment of all women

(C) Philippine Commission on Women

Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya! Spoken Poetry Contest Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya! Short Video Advocacy Juana Laban sa Pandemya: Kaya! Digital Poster Making Contest

2020 National Women's Month Celebration Photo Contest Entries