Over a million women left the labor force in January as holiday spending waned, latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.
This comes to light as the world celebrates International Women’s Month, highlighting the indisputable role of women in societies, economies and building a wholesome environment for children in the future.
According to the data, these women decided to leave work because of the need to care for their families and the absence of policies promoting work-life balance.
This significant and worrisome decline in female labor force participation should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and employers to address the underlying factors contributing to this alarming development, a Business Mirror report said.
The PSA attributed the loss of women in the labor force to household duties and schooling, which is disheartening as the burden of domestic responsibilities are lodged on them yet.
The fact that young women in their prime working years were among those who dropped out of the workforce indicates a missed opportunity for economic growth and empowerment, the newspaper added.
Gender pay gap
Although average daily pay of women exceeded that of men, further scrutiny of this data is necessary.
The PSA clarified that this higher average pay is primarily driven by the wages in the Armed Forces, where women are better compensated.
Yet, the gender pay gap persists in many other sectors for women across various occupations who continue to face wage disparities and unequal opportunities for career advancement.
An enabling environment that supports and encourages women’s participation in the labor force must be created, but this would require a multi-faceted approach involving government policies, private sector initiatives, and societal changes.
Work-life balance
The PSA said policies must first be implemented to support work-life balance and alleviate the burden of unpaid care work on women.
Affordable and accessible childcare facilities, parental leave policies, and flexible work arrangements can significantly enhance women’s ability to balance work and family responsibilities.
By promoting a more equitable distribution of household and caregiving duties, we can empower women to pursue their careers without compromising their familial obligations.
Furthermore, educational institutions and training programs should actively promote gender equality and ensure that young women have equal access to quality education.
Also, equipping women with the necessary skills and knowledge will enhance their employability and enable them to compete on an equal footing in the job market.
Employers have a critical role to play in creating inclusive workplaces.
Companies must adopt gender-sensitive policies, such as pay transparency, gender-neutral hiring practices, and promotion opportunities based on merit.
Encouraging diversity and inclusion in the workplace not only benefits women but also fosters innovation and productivity.
Societal attitudes and norms must also evolve to value and recognize the contributions of women in the workforce.
Challenging gender stereotypes and promoting positive role models can help break down barriers and inspire women to pursue their professional aspirations.
Women empowerment
It is essential for all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society organizations, and individuals, to collaborate and prioritize gender equality in the workforce.
By creating an environment that empowers women, we can unlock their full potential and contribute to sustainable economic growth and social progress.
The decline of over a million women in the workforce is truly alarming and needs urgent attention from all sectors.
It is crucial for both the government and private sector employers to collaborate in addressing the root causes of this decline.
Doing so, women will have equal opportunities to thrive in the workplace.
Empowering women to participate equally in the labor market would unleash their potential, promote economic growth, and create a more inclusive and prosperous society that benefits everyone.
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