UN Philippines, PCW, SM Cares call for gender equality at National Women's Month kick-off celebration

MANILA. The SM Mall of Asia Globe was illuminated bright purple on 2 March as part of celebrations led by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), SM Cares, and United Nations Philippines to kick off National Women's Month. 

The ceremonial illumination is an annual tradition spearheaded by PCW to rally broader public support gender equality and women's empowerment, as well as showcase women's leadership and achievements. As part of the #PurpleYourIcon initiative, architectural icons, building facades and digital displays are lit up purple, which is a color that has been symbolically linked to women and gender equality.

Under the theme of "WE [Women and Everyone] for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society," this year's celebration calls for the promotion of gender-responsive programs and policies to ensure that women have equitable access to opportunities and resources, enabling them to fully participate in decision-making and exercise leadership in their communities. 

A critical component needed for transformative change is to remove barriers to women's access to rights and justice—hurdles such as outdated legislation that still shape every aspect of a woman’s life, from the home, to classrooms and workplaces. Discriminatory laws and practices should be addressed to ensure the dignity, opportunity and freedom all women deserve.

"Women and girls in the Philippines and across the world need and deserve equal protection under the law. It is when we make justice a reality in their every day lives can we have a gender equal society that ensures dignity and opportunity for all," said UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral.