A gender-responsive Philippines for progress

As a father of two wonderful daughters, a husband and being the only man in the family, International Women’s Day is not only a moment to celebrate womanhood worldwide, but also an opportunity to reflect on the personal significance of this day for many individuals. I will not stray too far and begin in my home, where every day I am a witness to the effervescent, bright and tenacious force of the women in my family – their ever strong and resilient vitality, and the determination they possess in their own personal advocacies, fields and interests. I bring this into the picture because it is important to always have that feminine perspective, to not merely see women but to champion womanhood. This begins in the home, with mothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, aunts and friends.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day tomorrow, it is imperative to reflect on the challenges that women face, for us to be able to grasp the gravity of what women around the world have to endure. In the Philippines, like many countries, women continue to confront systemic barriers that hinder their full participation and contribution to society, such as the existence of a gender pay gap, limited access to education, lack of access to health care and gender-based violence, to name a few.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), as of 2019, women in the Philippines earn 80.7 percent of what men earn for performing the same work; the World Health Organization (WHO) says that maternal mortality in the Philippines remains high, with an estimated maternal mortality ratio of 121 per 100,000 live births as of 2017, and disparities in access to health care, particularly in rural and remote areas, contribute to this high maternal mortality rate. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that in 2020, there were 14,120 cases of violence against women (VAW) recorded nationwide, including cases of domestic violence, rape and sexual harassment. These figures are a testament to how essential it is that we address these barriers head-on and prioritize the needs of women in our efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable future.

One significant step towards addressing these barriers here in the Philippines is the launch of Chatbot Sophia in Quezon City in 2023. Invented by Swiss NGO Spring ACT (Action Compassion Technology), this innovative technology utilizes artificial intelligence to provide support and assistance to victims of domestic violence, offering a lifeline to those in need of help and resources. It aims to empower victims and survivors by facilitating the collection of potential evidence and providing access to crucial resources and support.

As it continually evolves to address the needs of victims and survivors globally, the Swiss embassy, together with SPARK! Philippines and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, launched this initiative under the Quezon City Government in November 2023. The introduction of Chatbot Sophia underscores the importance of leveraging technology to address pressing social issues and improve the lives of women who are disproportionately affected by domestic violence.

Women are often the most affected in times of crises, facing heightened risks of violence, economic insecurity and limited access to essential services. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, further underscoring the urgent need to invest in women’s health, education and economic empowerment. As we navigate these uncertain times, it is crucial that we prioritize their needs and ensure that they have the support and resources they need to thrive.

It is no secret that in times of crisis, women bear a disproportionate burden. They are more likely to be employed in informal sectors, have limited access to social protection and face increased risks of gender-based violence. The pandemic has highlighted the existing fault lines in our societies, exposing the vulnerabilities of women and girls, underscoring the urgent need for action. As we strive to recover and rebuild, we must ensure that women are at the forefront of our efforts, driving inclusive and sustainable solutions that leave no one behind.

Switzerland has long recognized and continues to emphasize the importance of investing in women and promoting comprehensive gender policies aimed at equality and empowerment. From advancing women’s representation in leadership positions to ensuring equal access to education and health care, Switzerland is committed to creating an environment where women can fully participate in and contribute to society. The Swiss embassy is proud to support such initiatives in the Philippines that prioritize women’s needs and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for many.

Of course, tackling all systemic barriers is no easy feat, which is why identifying the root causes is essential. This requires transformative change at all levels of society, especially in legal and policy frameworks, cultural norms and institutional practices. Switzerland has been at the forefront of efforts to promote gender equality and women’s rights globally, advocating for women’s empowerment and gender mainstreaming in all areas of development cooperation. By integrating a gender perspective into local policies and programs, we can ensure that women’s needs are systematically addressed and that they have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.

Let us recommit ourselves to advancing women in society, in the Philippines and beyond. By prioritizing women’s needs and investing in their futures, we can build a more resilient and prosperous society for generations to come, for our daughters, wives, sisters, nieces, colleagues and friends. Together, let us work towards a future where all women and girls can live free from discrimination and violence, and where their voices are not only heard, but revered and valued in all aspects of decision-making. An advanced Happy International Women’s Day to all.

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Nicolas Brühl is the Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines.