What are my Rights as a Woman in The Workplace?
The Philippines consistently earns high marks in terms of equal opportunity in education and employment. For the second consecutive year, our country has topped Grant Thornton International’s 2021 Women in Business report. According to the study, 31 percent of senior management positions were held by women, such a result is significantly higher than the rest of the globe.
This may be due to the fact that in recent years, the Filipino government has addressed the rights of women under a multitude of legislative schemes including workplace discrimination. The list of rights for women in the workplace include:
105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law
Extends the previous 60-day (78 days for caesarian section delivery for women workers in the private sector) paid maternity leave to 105 days.
The law also entails an option to extend for an additional 30 days of unpaid leave. Additional 15 days paid maternity leave shall also be granted to female solo parents.
Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women
RA 6725 prohibits discrimination with respect to terms and conditions of employment solely on the basis of sex.
Under this law, any employer favoring a male employee over a female in terms of promotion, training opportunities, and other benefits solely on account of sex is considered discrimination.
Assistance for Small-Scale Women Entrepreneurs
This law seeks to provide all possible assistance to Filipino women in their pursuit of owning, operating, and managing small business enterprises.
Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995
Addresses the issue of sexual harassment committed in the employment, education, or training environment,
Sexual favors made as a condition in the employment or granting promotions or privileges; or the refusal to grant the sexual favor results in limiting, segregating or classifying the employee which in any way would discriminate, deprive or diminish employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect is punishable by law.
The Anti-Rape Law of 1997
RA 8353 states that any person having carnal knowledge of a woman through force, threat, or intimidation or by means of fraudulent machination or grave abuse of authority will be punished.
Depending on the severity of the case, the offense may be punishable reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment.
Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998
RA 8505 declares the policy of the State to provide necessary assistance and protection for rape victims.
Magna Carta of Women
The Magna Carta comprehensive women’s human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination through the recognition, protection, fulfillment, and promotion of the rights of Filipino women, especially those belonging in the marginalized sectors of the society.
National Women’s Day
RA 6949 declares the eighth day of March every year as a special working holiday.
This ensures meaningful observance of the holiday, where all heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations as well as local government units, and employers in the private sector shall encourage and afford sufficient time and opportunities for their employees to engage and participate in any activity conducted within the premises of their respective offices or establishments to celebrate National Women’s Day.
With these laws, the Philippines has relatively evolved into becoming a safe space for working women. Awareness of these not only helps you become a more informed citizen, but it can help you empower women too. Acknowledging and protecting women’s rights is one of the small but impactful steps we can all take to fight for equal opportunities for all.
Join us this March 30, Tuesday 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. as we host a virtual session with DOLE-Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) Director Atty. Ma. Katrina Perida-Trayvilla to discuss on how we can support women in our workplaces. Register now
All registrants will receive the link to the webinar via e-mail on March 30.
