NATIONAL LAWS ON WOMEN RIGHTS
OBJECTIVES
Know about the various Philippine laws affecting women;
Identify the various rights of women; and
Understand the impact of these laws and rights to the Filipino woman and society.
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
• The 1987 Constitution- the fundamental law of the country upon which all the laws are anchored
or based on;
• Magna Carta of Women- the main law enshrining all the rights of women and their roles in
building the nation; and
• Nation Building- collaborative efforts and means to establish and develop the country.
INTRODUCTION
The 1987 Constitution
• Article II Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution, “the State recognizes the role of women in nation-
building and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.”
• women representation (as one of the nine marginalized sectors) in the legislature through the
party-list system (which should cover 20% of the lower house).
• Finally, Article 13 Section 14 specifically mentioned that the “State shall protect working women
by providing safe and healthful working conditions, taking into account their maternal functions,
and such facilities and opportunities that will enhance their welfare and enable them to realize
their full potential in the service of the nation.
VARIOUS LAWS PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY
• Local Government Code of 1991. Provides for the election of sectoral representation, including
women, in local legislative councils.
• Party List Law. Provides for the creation of women-orientated or women-based parties to
compete under the party-list system.
• Labor Code (1989). Covers issues, such as night work prohibition, specifies that employers must
provide special facilities for women, prohibition of discrimination against women in respect to
terms and conditions of employment, and prohibition of discrimination by reason of marriage of a
woman worker.
• Women in Nation Building Law. Republic Act 7192 (1991) is an act promoting the integration
of women as full and equal partners of men in development and nation-building. The law
provides that a substantial portion of government resources be utilized to support programs and
activities for women. The law also encourages the full participation and involvement of women in
the development process and to remove gender bias in all government regulations and
procedures.
In relation to gender budgeting, the law specifically mandated all agencies to allocate a
minimum of 5%, increasing to 30%, of all official development funds in mainstreaming gender
concerns.
• 1988 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. Gave Filipino women the right to own land that
previously reverted to sons and other male family members.
• Republic Act 7688 (1994). An act giving representation to women in social security commission.
• Republic Act 7822 (1995). An act providing assistance to women engaging in micro and cottage
business enterprise.
OBJECTIVES
Know about the various Philippine laws affecting women;
Identify the various rights of women; and
Understand the impact of these laws and rights to the Filipino woman and society.
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
• The 1987 Constitution- the fundamental law of the country upon which all the laws are anchored
or based on;
• Magna Carta of Women- the main law enshrining all the rights of women and their roles in
building the nation; and
• Nation Building- collaborative efforts and means to establish and develop the country.
INTRODUCTION
The 1987 Constitution
• Article II Section 14 of the 1987 Constitution, “the State recognizes the role of women in nation-
building and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women and men.”
• women representation (as one of the nine marginalized sectors) in the legislature through the
party-list system (which should cover 20% of the lower house).
• Finally, Article 13 Section 14 specifically mentioned that the “State shall protect working women
by providing safe and healthful working conditions, taking into account their maternal functions,
and such facilities and opportunities that will enhance their welfare and enable them to realize
their full potential in the service of the nation.
VARIOUS LAWS PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY
• Local Government Code of 1991. Provides for the election of sectoral representation, including
women, in local legislative councils.
• Party List Law. Provides for the creation of women-orientated or women-based parties to
compete under the party-list system.
• Labor Code (1989). Covers issues, such as night work prohibition, specifies that employers must
provide special facilities for women, prohibition of discrimination against women in respect to
terms and conditions of employment, and prohibition of discrimination by reason of marriage of a
woman worker.
• Women in Nation Building Law. Republic Act 7192 (1991) is an act promoting the integration
of women as full and equal partners of men in development and nation-building. The law
provides that a substantial portion of government resources be utilized to support programs and
activities for women. The law also encourages the full participation and involvement of women in
the development process and to remove gender bias in all government regulations and
procedures.
In relation to gender budgeting, the law specifically mandated all agencies to allocate a
minimum of 5%, increasing to 30%, of all official development funds in mainstreaming gender
concerns.
• 1988 Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law. Gave Filipino women the right to own land that
previously reverted to sons and other male family members.
• Republic Act 7688 (1994). An act giving representation to women in social security commission.
• Republic Act 7822 (1995). An act providing assistance to women engaging in micro and cottage
business enterprise.
