PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES
joins the nation in celebrating theWomen’s Month
The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) celebrates the Women’s Month in honor of the great contribution of Filipino women in the Philippine society. Filipino women have become presidents, senators, congresswomen, and mayors.
In the global fight against COVID-19, women performed an important role. Globally, majority of the healthcare workers are women (70 percent) who are often in the frontline. Most of health facility service-staff are women. Majority of women hold key positions in hospital jobs, pharmacy jobs and grocery store roles. Consequently, women are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19 (Thibaut and Cremers, 2020).
However, many women still have significant struggles in our society.
According to the Philippine Commission on Women (2021), women comprise half of our population, and yet they hold only about one-fifth of government elected positions. The Magna Carta of Women in the Philippines (RA 9710) solidifies the participation and equitable representation of women in all spheres of society particularly in the decision-making and policy-making processes to fully realize their role as agents and beneficiaries of development.
Based on the August 2020 Fortune Global list, only 2.6 percent were CEOs of Fortune Global 500 companies. Women held 20.6 percent of Board of Director seats worldwide. Women in formal employment earn just 79% of what men in formal employment earn globally in average monthly wages (Catalyst, 2021).
At present, violence against women is still a major public health concern and problem.
Across many countries, 137 women are killed by a family member every day (United Nations Women, 2020). As many as 38 percent of murders of women are committed by a male intimate partner (World Health Organization, 2021). COVID-19 pandemic has caused violence— both online and offline— against girls and young women to spike. Five percent of women surveyed said cases of violence against women were observed in the home, while 17 percent witnessed cases outside their homes (Plan International Philippine Study, 2020).
To honor the great contribution of Filipino women in our society, we must continue to promote women’s rights, gender equality and sensitivity, and continue to fight all forms of violence and discrimination against women. The Philippines has come a long way in women empowerment through the Magna Carta of Women, Safe Spaces Act, and Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act of 2004. The Psychological Association of the Philippines is one with the nation in recognizing women as an important pillar of nation building.
REFERENCES:
Catalyst (February 11, 2021) “Women in the Workforce – Global: Quick Take”.
Plan International Philippine Study (October 15, 2020). Through Her Lens: The Impact of COVID-19 on Filipino Girls and Young Women
Thibaut, F and Cremers, P. (December 8, 2020) Women's mental health in the time of Covid-19 pandemic. Women’s Health.
United Nations Women (2020)
World Health Organization (2021)
