Women’s Role in History Month, a.k.a. National Women’s Month, is observed every year throughout the month of March. The month was declared by President Corazon C. Aquino. It is an initiative to highlight the important achievements and contributions of women, while also discussing issues that affect women such as women’s empowerment and gender equality. It is channeled towards taking concrete actions that can improve the plight of women in the Philippines.
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
The United Nations observes International Women's Day for the first time.
Maria Corazon C. Aquino becomes the first female president of the Philippines.
Women's Role in History Month is declared by President Corazon C. Aquino.
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo becomes the second female president of the Philippines.
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See MoreWomen’s Role in History Month FAQs
How many female presidents has the Philippines had?
Two female presidents: President Corazon Aquino and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
When did women get the right to vote in the Philippines?
In 1937.
What is the population of women in the Philippines?
There are approximately 55 million women in the Philippines, making up about 50% of the total population.
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.
Women’s Role in History Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 1 | Thursday |
| 2025 | February 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | February 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | February 1 | Tuesday |
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