Poe presses gov’t to boost women’s workforce presence

Sen. Grace Poe (Mark Pimentel/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe pressed the Philippine government to remain committed to boosting women’s presence in the country’s workforce.

Citing the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2023 data, Poe said that 21.9 million Filipino women are in the labor force. However, the number is less than men’s participation rate at 30.2 million.

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“We need more women in the labor force. They represent a formidable talent pool and an underutilized resource in the world of work,” said Poe in a statement on Friday, in time for International Women’s Day.

“No less than the International Labor Organization declared that increasing women’s labor force participation can boost a country’s gross domestic product,” she added.

According to the senator, household work remains one of the top causes that hinder women from joining the labor force.

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While she noted that she appreciates and hails women for the “priceless work they do at home,” she also emphasized the need for opportunities to be available to “those who will decide to try to find their footing in their career.”

In line with her call for more women in the workforce, Poe said the Philippine government should also make flexible work arrangements “to allow women to be productive while at home.”