Pasay City, 28 February 2025 – United Nations Gender Thematic Group (GTG), The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), and SM Cares jointly led the ceremonial lighting of the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) globe, marking the start of the Philippines’ observance of Women’s Month.

This year's theme, "Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas," reinforces the core objective of Republic Act 9710, or the Magna Carta of Women—to empower women, promote gender equality, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities. The 2025 celebration also serves as the third installment of the 2023-2028 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) campaign banner: “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society.” This initiative aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which envisions “deep economic and social transformation to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on a high-growth path.”

In line with PCW’s Purple Your Icon advocacy, nationwide SM malls, including Aura, Clark, Seaside Cebu, Fairview, North EDSA, Sto. Tomas, BF Paranaque, Mall of Asia, and Megamall, will illuminate their facades in purple starting February 28. Throughout Women’s Month in March, select LED screens inside and outside the participating malls, as well as the digital directories of the malls will feature the call for upholding fundamental rights for all women and girls.

“This is more than just lighting up spaces in purple—it is a declaration of women’s enduring impact on society and a challenge to turn awareness into action. Let this be a spark that fuels real, lasting change,” PCW Chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla emphasized.

The Philippines’ campaign also aligns with the United Nations’ global theme for International Women’s Day,  “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”. Similar to the country’s focus this year, the 2025 UN campaign calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all. The campaign recognizes the crucial role of youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls, as agents of change—emphasizing women as catalysts for progress and key decision-makers  in building a more inclusive and equitable society. 

However, persistent barriers continue to hinder women's full participation in economic and social development. According to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, in the Asia-Pacific region, women spend an average of 2.6 to 5.5 hours a day on unpaid labor.  “Women’s disproportionate burden of unpaid care and domestic work limit their economic opportunities,” said UN GTG Chairperson and UNFPA Country Representative Dr. Leila Joudane.

UN GTG supports the call for inclusive progress and equal opportunities that addresses issues on marginalization and economic violence against women through promoting an enabling environment where women can thrive and not just survive.

“The time spent on unpaid labor by women can actually provide significant economic advantage individually. If recognized and redistributed, it could even drive significant economic growth in the Philippines. Addressing this imbalance requires ensuring women’s access to paid employment, sexual and reproductive health services, and policies that support a future where every woman from every sector has the opportunity to thrive,” the UN GTG Chairperson added.

SM Cares, the social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, is deeply committed to championing  women's empowerment, health, and welfare. Through various initiatives, SM strives to build a future where every woman is empowered to reach her full potential.

“In SM there is no more glass ceiling to break as women leaders have reached the pinnacle of success in the organization. We ensure that our malls are all inclusive malls where everyone is welcome and no one is left behind including women and girls,” said Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, Senior Assistant Vice President of SM Supermalls and Program Director for SM CARES for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers.

SM, throughout the years, has provided economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs, along with institutionalized equal pay and opportunities for its stakeholders. “The ‘Purple Illumination’ of our malls, MOA Globe and other assets is the strongest proof and testament to our commitment and support for women’s rights, empowerment and equality.” Atty. Turley added. 

UN GTG, PCW and SM Cares urge everyone to take action by organizing activities that champion this year’s advocacy, strengthening the movement toward a more inclusive, equitable, empowered and sustainable future for all women in the Philippines.

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