Kababaihan, manindigan para sa iyong karapatan!
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), as the country’s Gender Ombud under the Magna Carta of Women, celebrates all women this month.
This year’s celebration of National Women’s Month is specially dedicated to those who tirelessly stand up for the rights of all, especially Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs). They continue to advance dignity and equality across society in the midst of gender-based reprisals.
The Philippines continues to face threats against human rights defenders, creating an environment where advocacy is often met with intimidation.[1] Across movements and calls for action, WHRDs persist despite gender-specific risks such as harassment, threats, red-tagging, surveillance, arbitrary arrest, and other reprisals that undermine their safety and legitimacy.
Women must not be trapped in a cycle that turns them into victims and survivors of gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence. Duty-bearers must ensure an enabling environment where every woman can flourish and remain safe from threats and attacks.
To mark the start of National Women’s Month, the CHR, in partnership with Sarilaya and the Gabriela National Alliance of Filipino Women, will spearhead the 11th Purple Action Day under the theme “Women Human Rights Defenders as Living SHEroes.” The initiative recognizes women’s courage and highlights their role at the frontlines of struggles against discrimination, violence, corruption, labor exploitation, and environmental destruction.
CHR’s month-long celebration begins with the Purple Action March on 02 March 2026, alongside a panel discussion and press conference with WHRDs. Activities throughout the month include the Lingkod Bayan Hub: Serbisyo para sa Mamamayan, advocacy booths and photo exhibits, the Purple Bazaar, the Kilos Lila: Youth’s Right to Suffrage Forum, She Rises: Women Farmers and Food Security (Kababaihang Magsasaka: Para Saan ka Bumabangon?” the theme of this month’s Food Security Forum/Kapihan at Kamustahan, and Women with Disabilities Day, all highlighting the voices and contributions of women across sectors.
A detailed schedule of Women’s Month 2026 activities at the CHR is available at: bit.ly/CHRWomensMonth2026.
As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the Commission reaffirms its commitment to ensure women are protected and heard. Collective action remains essential to dismantle entrenched inequalities and build a just and inclusive society.
This year’s CHR observance parallels the global theme for International Women’s Day, “Rights. Justice. Action.” It also aligns with the Philippine Commission on Women 2023–2028 banner theme, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society,” and the sub-theme “Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas,” reinforcing national and global calls to advance women’s rights and gender equality.
Safeguarding women’s rights is both a legal and moral obligation. Let this year’s celebration call us to shape communities where women freely and safely occupy every space they choose, and where equality lives in everyday life.
Sama-sama tayong kumilos tungo sa isang lipunang malaya at makatarungan para sa lahat! ###
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[1] United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Philippines: UN expert calls for more sustained reforms to prevent threats and killings of journalists and activists, 02 February 2024 https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/02/philippines-un-expert-calls-more-sustained-reforms-prevent-threats-and