Strengthening Gender Equality in Law: An Analysis of Philippine Legislation

Equality in law is crucial for gender equality. Laws and policies shape the realities of women and girls in all aspects of life and in all parts of society. Just laws can be instruments to protect, promote and fulfil the rights of women and girls, contributing to just and inclusive societies, where no woman or girl is left behind. However, laws can also deny rights to women and girls and hinder the realization of a just and equal society.

IDLO and UN Women, in partnership with the Philippine Commission on Women, conducted an assessment of Philippine laws to facilitate the elimination or reform of laws that discriminate against women and girls, in support of the ‘Equality in Law for Women and Girls By 2030: A Multi-Stakeholder Strategy for Accelerated Action’.

This assessment, Strengthening Gender Equality in Law: An Analysis of Philippine Legislation, examines legislation and case law that may have direct or indirect, as well as intersecting or multiple, discriminatory provisions against women and girls in the Philippines. It makes recommendations for repeal, reform, or amendment of laws that concern different spheres of their lives – education, health, employment, marriage and family, and representation in political and public life among others.