The Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region successfully conducted the “Women Leading, Empowering, and Advancing Development (Women LEAD): Navigating Complexities, Forging Solutions towards Women Workers Empowerment” on November 19, 2025, at Marco Polo Ortigas, City of Pasig. The activity engaged representatives from the GAD Focal Point System, Public Employment Service Office, and representatives from Women CSOs and labor unions of the Local Special Bodies of the 17 NCR LGUs.

The multi-stakeholder forum highlighted the current state of women workers in the Philippines, the 15-Point Women Workers’ Agenda, and stories of hope from women labor unions, emphasizing the challenges faced by women workers and the need to strengthen gender-sensitive labor policies at both local and national levels.

In her welcome message, Regional Director Maria Lourdes L. Agustin, CESO III, underscored DILG-NCR’s commitment to promoting women’s active participation in peace and development initiatives. She encouraged participants to use the forum to exchange insights and explore practical solutions for safer and more inclusive workplaces. 

“Sa pamamagitan ng iba’t ibang mandato at gampanin ng ating mga opisina, sama-sama nating itaguyod ang kapakanan at interes ng kababaihang bahagi ng lakas-paggawa para sa mas matatag, ligtas, inklusibo at payapang mga komunidad,” she said.

Messages of support were delivered by DOLE-NCR Quezon City Field Office  Director Rowella V. Grande, DTI-NCR Chief Trade and Industry Development Specialist Rowena San Jose, and SM Cares for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers Senior Assistant Vice President and Program Director Atty. Pearl Jayagan Turley, highlighting their steadfast commitment in fostering inclusive workplaces for women.

Mr. Bryan Balco, National Project Manager of the ILO-EU Trade for Decent Work Project, presented the situational overview of women workers in the Philippines, noting persistent issues such as low labor force participation, gendered division of labor, and wage gaps. He emphasized that women’s work must be recognized and valued.

Jillian Roque, Co-Convenor of Women Workers’ United, highlighted advancements and paths forward under the 15-Point Women Workers’ Agenda, including labor standards compliance, elimination of discrimination and harassment, fair pay, reduction of unpaid care work, and the importance of collective bargaining and freedom of association.

Women-led civil society organizations and labor unions also shared personal experiences, stressing the need for more responsive and equitable labor policies that address the real needs of women workers.

Participants engaged in an empathy mapping workshop to capture the perspectives of women workers, focusing on their experiences, thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. Outputs from LGUs highlighted their understanding on the challenges women face in balancing multiple roles.

Participants also completed the Sectoral Issues and Needs Assessment Tool (SINAT), which evaluated the importance of key women-in-labor issues and satisfaction with local government responses. Such program and policy areas include gender-responsive policies, funding for women-focused programs, participation and leadership in local processes, mechanisms addressing violence and workplace harassment, support for solo parents, access to reproductive and maternal health services, occupational safety, social protection programs, childcare support, reintegration after caregiving, and clarity on labor rights.

In his closing message, LGCDD Acting Chief Luigi D.C. Pilarta emphasized that addressing the primary issues affecting women in labor requires coordinated programs and policies. 

“Ito ay nangangailangan ng boses at lakas ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, pribadong sektor, civil society organizations, at miyembro ng ating mga komunidad,” he said.

The Women LEAD forum is part of DILG-NCR’s initiatives through the Capacitating Urban Communities on Peace and Development (CUCPD) Program aimed at addressing pressing concerns of women in the labor sector, enhancing their participation in local planning and decision-making, and promoting fair and inclusive working conditions.