Overview
Official 2026 NWMC banner – embodying the sub-theme of reclaiming Babaylan-inspired leadership, wisdom, empathy, and gender balance in Filipino society.
128 years after the country’s independence from colonial rule—which disrupted indigenous systems of equality and institutionalized violence against women—the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) underscores the urgency of restoring Filipino women’s power and reclaiming pre-colonial values of gender balance. This momentum contributes to the realization of Bagong Pilipinas, the governance brand of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, which calls for transformative change across all sectors of society and government.
Highlighting shared responsibility, collective leadership, and inclusive action, the 2026 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) continues under the 2023–2028 campaign banner, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society.” It aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028, which aims to restore economic momentum, ensure equal opportunities, and equip Filipinos with skills to participate fully in an innovative and globally competitive economy.
2026 National Women’s Month Theme and ASEAN Alignment
More than an annual event, the 2026 NWMC is a clarion call for Women and Everyone (WE) to take part and take charge in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE) at the national and regional levels. It emphasizes a whole-of-government approach and all-of-society engagement.
Under the sub-theme, “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!”, the PCW reaffirms that women’s leadership is a fundamental part of Filipino identity—just as in the time of the revered Babaylans, when women held influence and authority equal to men. It highlights the distinctive leadership qualities of Babaylans—women leaders in pre-colonial Philippines whose authority was grounded in wisdom, empathy, mediation, and moral guidance rather than force or hierarchy.
Babaylans led through inclusion, spiritual insight, and collective care, safeguarding communities and guiding them through conflict. By drawing from these qualities, the celebration underscores how women’s leadership fosters balanced, resilient, and empowered communities—an approach that remains relevant today.
The 2025 Global Gender Gap Report reinforces this, ranking the Philippines 20th out of 148 countries with a parity score of 78.1%, thereby maintaining its position as Asia’s most gender-equal nation.
As the Philippines chairs ASEAN 2026 under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” PCW strategically aligns this year’s NWMC sub-theme as a rallying call for sustained engagement. It also complements the 4th ASEAN Women Leaders Summit...
Suggested Activities for Stakeholders
NWMC-themed Flag Raising Ceremony
Integrate
NWMC announcements, reminders, messages, and activities in Flag Raising Ceremonies during the last week of February and first week of March (or other relevant dates).
Feature the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang music video in NWMC events:
https://library.pcw.gov.ph/lupang-hinirang-all-women-cast/.
For GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Members
GFPS members are invited to the onsite event on March 6, 2026. Updates will be posted on the NWMC webpage and PCW official accounts. GFPS are encouraged to hold activities recognizing women employees’ leadership, achievements, and contributions during the 2026 NWMC to highlight excellence, inspire others, and promote appreciation and empowerment in the agency.
Regional Women’s Leadership and Innovation Exhibits
Organize exhibits showcasing women-led or co-led programs demonstrating measurable community or governance outcomes. Include success stories of women influencing policy, interactive sessions or mini-workshops, panel discussions or mentorship showcases, and innovative inclusive solutions advancing gender equality. Multimedia may link local initiatives to ASEAN priorities, showing women’s leadership in transformative change, community empowerment, and regional development.
Celebrating Women Leaders
Hold mini recognition activities honoring exemplary women leaders. Examples: nomination drives, short “leader share” sessions, and certificates during meetings or NWMC events. Aims to celebrate leadership, inspire colleagues, and build a culture of appreciation and empowerment.
Capacity-Building and Women in Governance Dialogues
Conduct training and mentorship on leadership, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, and climate resilience, especially for rural and marginalized women. Link local participation to governance, economic growth, peacebuilding, and ASEAN socio-cultural, economic, and political-security goals, showing how women’s participation strengthens development and resilience.
#GADtoKnow Campaign
Implement awareness activities highlighting women’s leadership in gender-responsive laws, programs, and services. Feature women leading or influencing governance, policy, and community initiatives aligned with ASEAN frameworks, promoting gender equality and inclusive development.
Offer your own “Serbisyo para sa Kababaihan”
Public and private entities may offer tokens (freebies, discounts, priority lanes, promos) to women and girls on March 8 (International Women’s Day) or throughout March. These may showcase empowerment programs. Stakeholders may submit activities via the NWMC webpage form for inclusion in PCW announcements.
For DOH-retained hospitals and Local Government Units
In line with Section 17 (Women’s Right to Health) of RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, which mandates the provision of comprehensive health services for women, DOH-retained hospitals and LGUs are encouraged, as may be allowed, to support HPV testing and vaccination activities for women and girls, such as free or subsidized HPV screening, vaccination, and information and education sessions on cervical cancer prevention.
Cultural and Artistic Events
Organize storytelling, music, art exhibits, or theater celebrating women’s creativity and leadership. Highlight women weavers and traditional artisans, linking cultural heritage to economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
Girl Child Week and the Women with Disabilities Day Celebration
Support activities for Girl Child Week (4th week of March, led by Council for the Welfare of Children) and Women with Disabilities Day (led by National Council on Disability Affairs).
#PurpleWednesdays, #PurpleYourIcon and #PurpleYourProfile
Wear purple every Wednesday in March, light offices/landmarks in purple, and use PCW’s official profile frame via #PurpleYourProfile to boost online awareness and conversations on Women’s Month.
Musika ng Kababaihan Fridays (#MNKFridays)
Every Friday in March, play
empowering songs from the MusikJuana Songwriting Contest and PCW advocacy songs in offices, public/private spaces, parks, and online to promote gender equality. Access songs via PCW Library:
https://library.pcw.gov.ph/search/?q=musikjuana.
Use the official collateral designs
Use PCW’s official 2026 NWMC branding, banners, and collateral designs available on the NWMC webpage.
Use the official hashtag “#WEcanbeEquALL”
Promote gender equality, inclusion, and respect for all regardless of gender, ability, status, or circumstance. Use #WEcanbeEquALL to show commitment to leaving no one behind and share actions advancing equality.
Be featured in the NWMC Calendar of Activities and Event Photos
Agencies may submit activity details for the NWMC Calendar and event photos for posting on PCW’s Facebook page (subject to review and deadlines) via links on the NWMC webpage.
