Women’s Role in History Month

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Awareness Historical Women
Where:: Philippines
Date change rule:: Every February
Holiday emoji:: 🇵🇭👩‍🎓

Women’s Role in History Month shines a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of women throughout Philippine history, observed every February. This month-long observance, declared by President Corazon C. Aquino, champions women’s empowerment and gender equality. Join the conversation, support women-led initiatives, and learn more about the issues affecting women today.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected Women’s Role in History Month Deals

Throughout Women’s Role in History Month, expect to see various organizations and brands in the Philippines launch campaigns focused on women’s empowerment and gender equality. Non-profits such as the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and Gabriela Women’s Party will host educational forums, webinars, and community events. Retailers may feature women-owned businesses with special promotions, while fashion and beauty brands like Bench or Penshoppe might highlight collections designed by or for women. Financial institutions could offer workshops on financial literacy for women, and local businesses are likely to run donation-matching programs for women’s shelters or advocacy groups. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as February approaches.

Platform Guide for Women’s Role in History Month

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #WomensRoleInHistoryMonth. Share professional achievements of women or discuss gender equality in the workplace.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WomensRoleInHistoryMonth. Share community events, personal stories of inspiring women, or educational resources.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WomensRoleInHistoryMonth. Post visual tributes to historical women, share photos from advocacy events, or highlight women-owned businesses.

Women’s Role in History Month Hero

Corazon C. Aquino

Maria Corazon Cojuangco Aquino (1933–2009) was a Filipino politician who served as the 11th President of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992. As the first female president of the Philippines and a key figure in the restoration of democracy, she officially declared March as Women's Role in History Month (now observed in February based on current calendar) to recognize women's contributions.

History of Women’s Role in History Month

Women’s Role in History Month was declared by Proclamation No. 227 Series of 1988. Signed by President Corazon C. Aquino on March 17, 1988, the proclamation states, “Whereas, the House of Representatives has designated under Resolution No. 20 the month of March, 1988 and every month of March thereafter as “Women’s Role in History Month”…Whereas, Filipino women of every class, ethnic, and religious background served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement, not only to secure their own right of suffrage and equal opportunity but also to create a more fair and just society for all; Whereas, it would be fair and fitting that those contributions of the Filipino women be given due recognition;

…Now, Therefore, I, Corazon C. Aquino, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby call upon the people of the Philippines to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Towards this end, the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women is hereby designated as the Secretariat to coordinate its nationwide observance.”

Prior to this, the first week of March had also been designated as Women’s Week through Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988.

Women’s Role in History Month timeline

1975

The I.W.D. is Created

The United Nations observes International Women's Day for the first time.

1986

The First Female President

Maria Corazon C. Aquino becomes the first female president of the Philippines.

1988

Women's Role in History Month

Women's Role in History Month is declared by President Corazon C. Aquino.

2001

The Second Female President

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo becomes the second female president of the Philippines.

Women’s Role in History Month FAQs

When is Women’s Role in History Month?

In 2027, Women’s Role in History Month will again be observed throughout February. It serves as a dedicated period to reflect on the historical impact of women and to advocate for their continued empowerment.

Who declared Women’s Role in History Month?

The initiative to dedicate a month to women’s historical impact originated from President Corazon C. Aquino. Her declaration underscored the importance of acknowledging women’s roles in nation-building and societal progress.

What is the theme for Women’s Role in History Month?

Each year, the PCW spearheads the celebration with a specific theme that guides activities and discussions throughout the month. For 2027, the theme will continue to focus on advancing women’s rights and recognizing their diverse roles.

Is Women’s Role in History Month the same as International Women's Day?

No, they are distinct. Women’s Role in History Month is a national observance in the Philippines that dedicates the entire month of February to women’s historical impact, whereas International Women’s Day is a single global day of celebration and advocacy on March 8.

How to Observe Women’s Role in History Month

Celebrate a woman
Celebrate a woman in your life. Be they your mother, wife, sister, or friend, they deserve to be celebrated and loved. Let them have a good day.
Support women
National Women's Month is a month of action. Take it one step further by doing all you can to support the women around you in their family lives, businesses, and careers.
Break the bias
Women are subjected to subtle and systemic prejudice both in their work and home lives. Take a step toward breaking the bias and stopping prejudice against women.

5 Women Who Made The Philippines’ History

Hidilyn Diaz
Representing her country in the women's category of weightlifting, she won the Philippines its first Olympic gold medal.
Corazon Aquino
Aquino shattered glass ceilings by becoming the first female president of the Philippines.
Aimee Carandang
She became the first female commercial pilot in the Philippines.
Gloria Diaz
She became the first Filipina to win the Miss Universe pageant in 1969 at the young age of 18.
Angelita Castro-Kelly
She was the first female mission operations manager of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States.

Why Women’s Role in History Month is Important

Women are indispensable
Women are our mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, and friends we cannot live without. To us, they’re an indispensable existence.
They give life
The pain and hardships mothers go through during pregnancy and birth are unimaginable. They endured a lot until we were brought into this world safely.
Invaluable contributions to the world
Among women, there are scholars, scientists, doctors, engineers, historians, and more, who have contributed endlessly to the progress of mankind. Such contributions have changed and will continue to change our world. This is a day to ensure such an obvious fact isn’t forgotten.