Empowered to Lead: PCW and UN Women Strengthen Role of Women Officials in Advancing Gender-Responsive Governance

Posted on October 29, 2025

Empowered to Lead: PCW and UN Women Strengthen Role of Women Officials in Advancing Gender-Responsive Governance

To further address gender gap in local leadership, where women comprise only 23.3 percent of elected officials nationwide, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), in partnership with UN Women, and support from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, conducted the “Strategic Leadership for Gender-Responsive Local Governance: A Training for New Women Local Chief Executives (LCEs) and Officials” on October 24, 2025, at the Diamond Hotel, Metro Manila.

^{Key officials from PCW, UN Women, and Bay-i Inc. with newly-elected women officials from across the country.}

The training was designed to equip 31 newly-elected women local officials with the knowledge to lead through a gender lens – strengthening their capacity to craft and implement policies and programs that promote inclusive and gender-responsive governance. It also encouraged participants to embrace their roles as transformative leaders and catalysts for advancing gender equality in their respective localities. Beyond capacity-building, the event created a dynamic space for peer learning and collaboration among women leaders and cultivated a strong support network committed to championing Gender and Development (GAD) principles and promoting women’s empowerment in local governance.

^{PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla, delivering her message to women local leaders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.}

At the forefront of the nation’s efforts to promote gender equality and women’s leadership, PCW Chairperson Ermelita V. Valdeavilla delivered a powerful opening message. She emphasized to the delegates, “You do not need to lead like a man. Your perspective as a woman is not a limitation; it is your strength. Women’s collaborative, inclusive, consultative, sincere, and empathetic leadership styles give you the unique advantage to lead with compassion, sensitivity, wisdom, courage, and integrity.” She added, “Women’s competence in the family politics of care, balance, and harmony is the defining backbone of women’s leadership.” Addressing the women local leaders present, Chair Valdeavilla declared, “You are the modern-day Babaylans – leaders who heal divisions, bridge gaps, and foster unity.”

Meanwhile, UN Women Philippines Country Programme Coordinator Ma. Rosalyn G. Mesina highlighted in her message that “UN Women is delighted to be supporting this very first training intended to bring together new local women leaders and chief executives together. We believe that this is one of the critical investments we need to be making if we want to see a positive transformation in governance that will directly impact the lives of women and girls.” She also encouraged the women leaders present to take on the role of key initiators, inspiring and encouraging more women to actively participate in future elections.

^{UN Women Philippines Country Programme Coordinator Ma. Rosalyn G. Mesina engaging with the women local leaders.}

Senator Risa Hontiveros also delivered a message, noting that only two out of every ten elected officials in the country are women. She emphasized, “Yes, we have won so many hard-fought battles in our crusade for equality. Pero marami pang labang kailangang ipanalo. Laban para sa pantay na oportunidad, laban sa diskriminasyon, laban sa mga lumang pananaw na nagsasabing hindi ‘yan kaya ng babae. Buti na lang maraming babae ang game na game na sumabak sa mga hamong ito. Kayo iyon. Tayo iyon. Mga babaeng hindi umaatras, hindi natitinag at patuloy na kumikilos para sa kabutihan ng nakararami.”

^{Senator Risa Hontiveros during her keynote address, urging more women to step into leadership roles at the barangay, municipal, provincial, and national levels of government.}

Capacitating Women Leaders for More Inclusive Governance

During the training, Dr. Melanie M. Reyes, Executive Director of the Miriam College Women and Gender Institute, delivered a comprehensive discussion on ‘Filipino Women in Politics as Agents of Governance and Transformation.’ She highlighted alarming data on Gender-Based Violence, revealing that 1 in 3 women experience violence, and presented key statistics on the presence of women in leadership roles across the country, from the national to the local level.

^{Dr. Melanie M. Reyes during her discussion on ‘Filipino Women in Politics as Agents of Governance and Transformation.’}

She further highlighted that, based on their study, female political candidates face numerous challenges in achieving gender parity in power structures and decision-making. These include cultural and structural barriers, limited representation in leadership roles, and political and economic obstacles. Other hurdles are the lack of mentorship, persistence of political dynasties, threats and violence against women, fragmented women’s vote, and weak institutional support for women’s participation.

^{PCW Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar shares key points on Gender and Development in LGUs: Key Policy Directions and Imperatives.}

Following this, PCW Executive Director Nharleen Santos-Millar led a session on “Gender and Development in Local Government Units: Key Policy Directions and Imperatives”. She highlighted the importance of aligning local government plans and policies with existing laws, including the 1987 Constitution, RA 7192, and RA 9710. She explained that these laws guarantee women’s rights to education, healthcare, equal employment, and political participation, while also offering crucial protections against gender-based violence, discrimination, and exploitation. ED Santos-Millar also highlighted the importance of the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development and the Updated Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Plan 2019-2025 in guiding the creation of local GAD Codes. By following these strategic frameworks, local officials can develop policies that address women’s needs and ensure their full participation in governance.

Additionally, she reminded the participants that local government units are required by law to establish a GAD Focal Point System, along with a comprehensive GAD Plan and Budget, as well as a database to ensure that gender considerations are systematically integrated into governance processes at all levels. She encouraged the officials to review existing ordinances in their localities, ensuring they are aligned with the latest provisions and guidelines to better support the welfare of women.

To assist local governments in this process, she shared tools developed by the Commission, including the GAD Focal Point System Functionality Assessment Tool and the Gender-Responsive LGU Assessment Tool. These resources are designed to help local officials evaluate the gender responsiveness of their provinces, cities, and municipalities, enabling them to make informed decisions. She concluded her presentation with a powerful Call to Action: L – Look Within; C – Champion Collaboration; and E – Ensure Accountability.

^{Women leaders take part in the Strategic Leadership for Gender-Responsive Local Governance Training.}

UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines, Karen L. Davila, also gave an insightful discussion where she mentioned that, “If you’re a woman leader, you automatically think of yourself as a revolutionary. Dapat tandaan ninyo na dala niyo ang bandila ng mga kababaihan. When you enter the room, you bring your track record, preparation, and legal and social blueprint to change your community.”

^{UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines, Karen L. Davila, during her discussion on “Leading Change: Global Women Leaders and Their Transformative Impact.”}

She offered valuable advice to the women leader participants, including:

Ensure the Barangay Violence Against Women (VAW) desks in your localities are operational and staffed with well-trained personnel to support abused women in the community.
Initiate economic empowerment programs for women, recognizing that education is the greatest equalizer, especially for poor women.
Ensure availability of daycare services for single mothers, offering them a safe place to leave their children while they work to support their families.
Establish health clinics dedicated to the care of mothers and children.
Expand access to reproductive health services, ensuring women can make informed choices about their health and well-being.

Moreover, to emphasize leadership with purpose, Bay-i Inc. Co-founder and Co-Executive Director Maya Tamayo shared her insights by asking the participants to reflect on what motivated them to enter public service, the values or principles that guide their leadership, and the kind of change they hope to embody and inspire.

^{Bay-i Inc. Co-founder and Co-Executive Director Maya Tamayo facilitating the discussion on “Advancing Feminist Leadership and Women’s Empowerment in Inclusive Local Governance.”}

In their responses, the participants highlighted their strong commitment to service, noting that women leaders are often driven by love and compassion. They emphasized the importance of kindness and a positive attitude in leadership, recognizing the vital role of political leaders as guides and pillars of support for their constituents. As they pointed out, leaders are entrusted with their positions by the public and must be ready to assist when challenges arise. Ms. Tamayo stressed that values and principles form the foundation of effective leadership for women. These core principles shape how women leaders make decisions, and ensure their leadership is rooted in genuine commitment to serving their communities.

A dialogue on “Advancing Women’s Political Participation and Inclusive Governance” also took place, featuring panelists Governor Trina Firmalo-Fabic of Romblon and Mayor Atty. Sheena Pua Tan of Santiago City, Isabela. The conversation revolved around the challenges women leaders face, particularly the expectation to always go above and beyond the minimum.

In response, Mayor Tan shared her experience as the youngest elected mayor during her first term, explaining how she introduced a new style of leadership in her city. She reflected that one of the key lessons she learned was that respect must be earned, and through her dedication and the tangible results of her work, she was able to prove her leadership and gain the trust of her community and constituents.

Governor Firmalo-Fabic shared that one of her biggest challenges was fulfilling the promises she made during her campaign. She recalled how some male voters told her they wouldn’t support her, believing that women leaders are weak and overly emotional. Instead of being discouraged, she used this as an opportunity to introduce a governance model that prioritizes empathy and genuine care for the constituents. She emphasized that the key to overcoming such challenges lies in consistency, which, in turn, builds credibility and trust over time.

^{Governor Trina Firmalo-Fabic and Mayor Atty. Sheena Pua Tan during the dialogue.}

Both panelists agreed that building a strong team and fostering effective synergies were crucial in transforming governance and achieving efficient leadership. Mayor Tan shared that her driving force lies in the legacy she hopes to leave for current and future generations of women, as well as in creating platforms where their voices can be heard. Meanwhile, Governor Firmalo-Fabic emphasized the importance of staying grounded in one’s identity, tuning out distractions, practicing humility, and continuously striving to do what is right.

Concluding the meaningful initiative, Department of the Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian M. De Leon underscored, “As you return to your respective local government units, may you carry forward what you have learned here, renewing your commitment and putting into practice gender-responsive leadership that brings real and lasting change to your communities. Together, we can and we must create a Philippines where every woman has the opportunity to lead, inspire, and transform communities with dignity and pride.”

^{DILG Assistant Secretary for International Relations Lilian M. De Leon giving her closing message to female leaders, urging them to implement gender-responsive leadership in their localities.}

Moving forward, the PCW, UN Women, and key stakeholders, will continue to strengthen efforts in promoting women’s leadership and participation. As part of this initiative, UN Women and PCW plan to conduct a caravan across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to engage and empower more women leaders. Additionally, there are plans to institutionalize this program in collaboration with the Local Government Academy, ensuring sustainable support and development for women in governance. This collaborative effort underscores a shared commitment to building a future where women’s voices are integral to decision-making at every level.