Even in the modern age, where men and women are supposed to be treated equally, the workplace reveals that this is not the case. The gender pay gap remains a pressing yet hidden issue in the Philippines, with women earning 18.4 percent less than men in digital jobs, according to a 2019 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). The pay gap is even more pronounced in the agriculture sector, with women earning only 92 centavos for every peso that men earn.

It is disheartening to witness the persistent wage disparities that women in our country have to endure, despite significant strides in achieving gender equality. Women are also household heads and breadwinners, just like men. Therefore, it is imperative that the fruit of their labor is also well-compensated.

With inferior pay, women have less money to provide for their families. This disparity also affects women's savings and their financial security in retirement. Given that women are not paid equally to men, it is difficult for them to progress financially.

The gender pay gap perpetuates gender-based discrimination and compromises women's economic empowerment. It hinders their self-realization, professional development, and financial independence.

Hence, we urge the Philippine government, corporations, organizations, and individuals to address the persisting gender pay gap in the country through the following actions:

 

1. Government Initiatives

Proactively enforce and monitor Republic Act No. 6725 (Wage Rationalization Act), Republic Act No. 9710 (The Magna Carta of Women), Department Order No. 112-11 (Guidelines for the Implementation of Gender and Development in the Department of Labor and Employment), and Gender and Development (GAD) Plans and Budgets. These laws address the gender pay gap issue and must be properly implemented, enforced, and monitored to ensure effectiveness.

Provide incentives to companies that actively adhere to gender equality and eradicate pay gaps within their workplaces.

 

2. Companies and Organizations:

Conduct comprehensive pay audits to identify and rectify the presence of pay gaps.

Implement transparent salary frameworks and standardized pay scales based on justifiable merits, such as skills, experience, qualifications, and more.

Ensure women's representation in leadership roles and promote equal opportunities for career development.

Establish gender-responsive work environments to address the needs of women and provide concrete support systems.

 

3. Universities and Other Academic Institutions:

Conduct research and data collection to shed more light on the gender pay gap in various industries and sectors, raising awareness and informing policy discussions.

Educate students about gender equality and pay equity to ensure they are aware of their labor rights.

Enforce equal pay policies for their own employees.
 

Thank you for taking the time to understand this important matter. Together, let us eliminate pay gaps and ensure that there is gender equality in the Philippines. Gender pay gap, agapan na ‘yan!