Pulse Asia: 41% of Filipinos believe women are not disadvantaged in PHL

In line with the celebration of the annual International Women's Day, Pulse Asia Research Inc. released the results of its latest “Ulat ng Bayan” survey, focusing on “Women's Rights and the Status of Women in Philippine Society.”

The survey, which was conducted in December 2016, is based on a sample of more than 1,000 representatives, aged 18 above, from Metro Manila and some parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Based on the results released on Wednesday, nearly all Filipinos believe that “It is only right for a woman to fight for her rights” or “Tama lamang na ipaglaban ng isang babae ang kaniyang mga karapatan.”

According to Pulse Asia, the 94% of respondents in agreement are both male and female,from across geographic ares, socio-economic classes, and levels of educational attainment.

Disagreement and indecision on the statement are at 2% and 4%, respectively, on a national level.

However, 41% of Filipinos believe that women in the Philippines do not experience inequality.

When asked if they think “Most women in our society are at a disadvantage” or “Dehado ang karamihan ng mga babae sa ating lipunan,” most respondents from Manila and Mindanao, as well as those who have at least completed vocational schooling, said that women in the Philippines are on equal footing with their male counterparts.

Only 33% of Filipino agree that there is gender inequality in the Philippines—mostly females, and particularly those from Luzon and Visayas, as well as those with lower levels of educaitonal attainment—while 26% are ambivalent on the matter.

International Women's Day on March 8 “celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievement of women all over the world.” The 2017 campaign theme is “Be Bold For Change.” — Bianca Rose Dabu/BM, GMA News