Women and the Law: Landmark Laws on Women’s Lives in the Philippines

This International Women’s Month, AVP Law joins everyone in celebrating the successes and achievements of all women in the world. The world has come far in terms of advocating women’s rights, both internationally and locally. But the fight for gender equality and women’s empowerment continues.

Legal protections remain essential in ensuring that women’s rights are upheld in all aspects of life. As such, legal frameworks play a crucial role in shaping a more just and inclusive society. This post explores key laws that protect and empower women in the Philippines, highlighting the progress and challenges in the fight for gender justice.

Republic Act No. 9710 – The Magna Carta of Women

The Magna Carta of Women is a comprehensive law that promotes gender equality and empowers women by ensuring their rights are upheld in all aspects of life. It aligns with international human rights standards and ensures elimination of discrimination against women in all areas of life. Its key provisions include:

• Equal opportunities in employment, education, and political participation

• Protection from gender-based violence and workplace discrimination

• Ensures comprehensive healthcare, maternity benefits, and social services

• Representation in government decision-making bodies

• Provides special protections for indigenous women, rural women, and those in vulnerable sectors

• Mandate to implement gender-sensitive programs and policies in the public and private sector

Republic Act No. 9262 – The Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004

This law protects women and their children from acts of violence (VAWC). Its key provisions include:

• Penalization of physical, psychological, sexual abuse, and economic abuse

• Introduction of Barangay Protection Orders (BPOs), Temporary Protection Orders (TPOs), or Permanent Protection Orders (PPOs) as legal remedies against abusers and perpetrators

• Promotion of awareness, support services, and rehabilitation programs for victims

  
  

Republic Act No. 7877 – The Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995

This law penalizes sexual harassment in the workplace, educational institutions, and training environments. The law ensures that individuals, especially women, are protected from unwanted sexual advances, requests, or behavior that creates a hostile or offensive environment. For this purpose, the law considers the following as sexual harassment

• when a person in authority, such as an employer or supervisor, demands sexual favors in exchange for employment benefits, promotions, or retention

• when teachers, trainers, or superiors engage in sexual misconduct toward students or trainees

• verbal, physical, or visual sexual advances that create an intimidating or hostile environment for the victim

  
  

Republic Act No. 11313 – The Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law)

This law expands protection against sexual harassment in public spaces, online platforms, workplaces, and schools. It covers:

• Catcalling, wolf-whistling, and stalking

• Inappropriate sexual advances and lewd gestures

• Cyber harassment and gender-based online violence

• Sexual remarks, inappropriate physical contact and abuse of authority

Republic Act No. 6725 – An Act Strengthening the Prohibition on Discrimination Against Women in Employment

This law aims to eliminate gender-based discrimination in the workplace and prohibits discrimination against women in the workplace, including:

• Denying employment based on gender

• Unequal pay for equal work

• Restricting promotions or benefits due to pregnancy or marital status

Republic Act No. 11210 – The Expanded Maternity Leave Law

This law grants 105 days of paid maternity leave to working mothers, with an additional 30 days of unpaid leave if requested. In cases of miscarriage or emergency termination of pregnancy, which includes stillbirth, the paid maternity leave shall be 60 days. 

Solo mothers who qualify under RA 8972 or the Solo Parent’s Welfare Act may avail of additional 15 days of paid maternity leave. Maternity leave under the law applies regardless of civil status of the mother.

We at AVP Law are champions of your legal rights. Need help in understanding the law and your rights? Give us a call.