Over 21M Filipino women ‘economically insecure’ in Marcos' 1st year —group

More than 21 million Filipino women were “economically insecure” during the first year of the Marcos administration, according to a report by the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR).

Citing data from the May 2023 Labor Force Survey, the CWR in its report titled “Ambitious Promises and Agendas: The Status of Filipino Women in the First Year of the Marcos Jr. Administration” said at least 996,000 were unemployed, around 1.9 million were underemployed or lacked work and income, and 18.25 million were not included in the labor force.

“This means that Filipino women are more vulnerable to hunger, poverty, and violence,” CWR research coordinator Brenda Yasay said.

According to the CWR, the “inaction or neglect to address women's needs” also led to the escalation of abuse and exploitation during the period.

Reported cases reached 24,635 in 2022, translating to about 75 victims per day and three victims per hour. It also remained high from January to March 2023 with 6,231 cases.

“Women remain at risk of being victims of trafficking and prostitution. Women are forced into prostitution and trafficking due to the lack of decent work and a living wage,” CWR executive director Cham Perez said.

Perez also said the continued militarization of communities and the additional US military bases in the provinces have made women and children more vulnerable to state-perpetrated abuses.

“The report paints a grim picture of the state of Filipino women under the first year of Marcos Jr. administration,” said the CWR.

“Despite promises of progress and development, more women continue to be economically insecure and exposed to various forms of abuse, including state violence. It is imperative for women to raise their voices, collectively take action, and demand accountability for a meaningful change,” the organization added.

GMA Integrated News sought the comment of the Malacañang but it has yet to respond as of posting time.—LDF, GMA Integrated News