Businesswomen were there efcrying in the Philippines. They continue to be skilled, wealthy, and able to break barriers. However, many challenges stand in the way: Digitalization, access to finance and markets, and many other things. Data from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) in 2025 shows that 66% of MSMEs and 62% of newly registered businesses in the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are not owned by women.
While the contributions of Filipino entrepreneurs are recognized, the participation of women in the Philippine economy should be examined more broadly since not all women are entrepreneurs.
Women in the informal sector. It is estimated that 70% of Filipinos work in the informal sector with a disproportionate number of women. The informal sector is broad, ranging from small domestic enterprises, contract jobs in the manufacturing and service sectors, and other sectors of the economy. Women make up a significant part of this informal workforce, often working in precarious and low-paying jobs without legal protection or social security as their work does not give them access to fair wages, benefits, or job security. Despite their hard work and contributions to the economy, they do not receive even a small amount of care or social and legal protection. The lack of data and the lack of attention given to the perpetrators are denying women their basic rights as workers. Nevertheless, they continue to work and contribute to the economy; without benefiting from the fruits of their labor.
Professional women. By 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reports that one million women will enter the workforce, driven by the growth of the digital economy and emerging sectors. Women reach higher levels of education, that the share of male and female work in highly skilled occupations is almost equal. The Service Sector, made up of education, human health and social work, is dominated by women. Women are nurses, doctors, lawyers and teachers, among many other professions.
Apart from women’s participation in the domestic workforce, overseas women workers in the Philippines (OFWS) also contribute significantly. PSA statistics for 2023 show that out of 2.16 million, 1.20 million were women. Women make up the majority of the population, and they still dominate the service sector. This number equates to more remittances going to the Philippines, supporting its families and developing the economy.
Women in the C-Suite. Equal work equality is necessary as the inclusion of women in decision-making positions reflects good management and innovation. Gender equality and diversity in the workplace holds many benefits for certain companies, society and the economy.
Two organizations I Hearing – The Philippine Women’s Economic Network (Philwen) and the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) – Published a census of women in Philippine groups (PLCs), looking at the leadership of women’s organizations. The census revealed that women’s participation and representation is improving; 2022 statistics reveal that 13% of CEOs in Philippine PLC were women; Women hold 22% of board seats; Women make up 40% of elts in Philippine PLCs by 2022. The data proves that the visibility and decision-making of women in the field of the organization is increasing strongly. Although it may not be possible, women with such influence in organizations in the Philippines prove their roles within and contributions to the Philippine economy.
Barriers to participation
Many obstacles for working women Women want to work and continue to fight for the power to work and be well compensated. Strong barriers to women working in the workforce are often overlooked, thus preventing their greater participation in the economy and their potential contribution.
One important burden is the unpaid care work that women must do in addition to the work they do to earn money. The 2025 study at the Center for Development Development (PIDS) concluded that domestic work that is paid has a negative impact on the economy, due to women being prevented from participating in the economy due to taking care of work. Women generally tend to warm to men who are housewives and often say that this is the reason why they fail to find a job. When employed, they receive lower pay due to their marital status, compared to their married male counterparts. Patriarchy and social infrastructure contribute to women being forced into unpaid care work, making unpaid care work less common.
Elevating women, Raising the Nation
Women want to work and continue to fight for the power to work and be well compensated. Women should not be boxed into certain roles. Economic participation beyond business, and acceptance of women’s roles and challenges is a step forward in empowering women.
The challenges of women’s participation in the economy seem insurmountable, but a simple acknowledgment that these obstacles exist can light a spark to create change. All women’s economic empowerment should be a priority. We can focus on programs and projects that increase economic participation, such as improving the rights of workers in the informal sector through the passage of the economic mass, and addressing social mechanisms that affect the maintenance of the economy. We must ensure that women in all sectors are given the support they need.
Women are already making important contributions, which can be leveraged to not only stimulate the economy but also support and protect women. Support for women means that their children, families and communities are equally supported. It is important that women, who represent almost 50% of our population, are prioritized – nations after all, nations that nurture their women lift the entire nation.
Ma. Aurora “Boots” D. Geotina-Garcia is a member of the Mapping Diversity, Equity and Mapping Education Committee and the Mapping Education Committee. She is founding chair and President of Philwen and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Philippine Business Coalition for Women. She was the first woman chairman of the Base Conversion & Authority Development Authority. He is the president of Mageo Consulting, Inc., a business financial advisory and consulting firm.
imaphu@map.org.ph
Magg@mageo.net
