CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Despite advances in terms of education and reproductive health, labor participation of women in Central Luzon remains significantly lower compared to men, stressing challenges in economic empowerment and workforce inclusion.
The 2023 Regional Social and Economic Trends for Central Luzon revealed that only 42.5 percent of women are part of the labor force, compared to 71.3 percent of men.
Additionally, more women remain in unpaid family work at 60.92 percent, compared to men at 39.72 percent.
The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) said this trend suggests that traditional gender roles and caregiving responsibilities still hinder women from entering and remaining in the workforce.
With this, CPD Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales emphasized the urgency of creating more opportunities for women in various industries, particularly in fields that are dominated by men.
“We have come a long way, but we still have more work to do. Women play a multi-faceted role in society, balancing caregiving responsibilities with economic participation. It is crucial to provide them with equal opportunities to thrive,” she pressed.
To address these disparities, the CPD official mentioned the importance of policies and programs that address gender disparities in employment, provision of skills training, and promoting workplace inclusivity which are part of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action 2023-2028.
Bersales also underscored the importance of disaggregated data in shaping policies that effectively address the needs of women, particularly those in marginalized communities.
“Let us foster tangible and inclusive calls to action from various groups, providing a platform to voice women’s needs for economic success and meaningful empowerment, as we collectively strive to find solutions to women’s pressing problems,” she said.
The CPD continues to collaborate with various agencies and institutions to develop plans and programs that promote women’s well-being, ensuring that they are not only healthy and protected, but also have access to opportunities that enable them to reach their full potential. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
