The Department of Education (DepEd) has released Memorandum No. 023, s. 2025, outlining the celebration of the 2025 National Women’s Month. This annual observance, guided by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), aims to foster a society where women enjoy equal rights, power, and opportunities. With the sub-theme "Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas," this year’s celebration reinforces the core objectives of the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710) and strengthens efforts toward gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Legal Foundations of Women’s Month
The celebration is anchored on the following national issuances:
Presidential Proclamation No. 224, s. 1988 – Declaring the first week of March as Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day.
Presidential Proclamation No. 227, s. 1988 – Designating March as Women’s Role in History Month.
Republic Act 6949 (1990) – Officially declaring March 8 as National Women’s Day.
These laws and proclamations serve as the backbone of Women’s Month, ensuring continuous advocacy and institutional support for gender equality.
Goals of the 2025 National Women’s Month
The month-long celebration aims to:
Increase awareness and advocacy for gender equality, leading to greater recognition of women’s rights, power, and opportunities.
Enhance the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable women, such as indigenous women, rural women, and women with disabilities, through targeted programs that promote inclusive development.
DepEd’s Role in the Celebration
DepEd strongly encourages all education institutions, including public and private schools, to actively participate in Women’s Month activities. Offices and schools may implement the following initiatives:
1. NWMC-Themed Flag Raising Ceremonies
All DepEd offices should integrate National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) messages and activities into their flag ceremonies throughout March. A recommended highlight is the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang music video, available for download at PCW Library.
2. Bawat Sektor ng Kababaihan, Aangat!
Under the principle of leaving no one behind, DepEd encourages the organization of interactive activities addressing specific concerns of marginalized women. These engagements should help amplify their voices and support their empowerment.
3. Our Women’s Month Stories
DepEd institutions are encouraged to document and share their Women’s Month experiences through photos, videos, or other media formats. Posting these on social media platforms will inspire broader participation and celebrate achievements in gender equality.
4. Display the 2025 NWMC Banner
DepEd offices and schools should prominently display the official NWMC banner in front of their buildings and on their websites and social media accounts to showcase their support for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
5. #PurpleWednesdays and #PurpleYourProfile
Participants are encouraged to wear purple every Wednesday throughout March as a visible show of solidarity. Additionally, schools and offices can light up landmarks and public spaces in purple. Online engagement can be amplified by updating profile pictures using PCW’s official frame through #PurpleYourProfile.
6. Serbisyo para kay Juana
DepEd offices offering public services may extend special gestures of appreciation to women throughout March. These can include priority lanes, discounts, freebies, or other promotions in honor of the celebration.
7. Social Media Engagement Using #WEcanbeEquALL
DepEd encourages all offices and employees to use the hashtag #WEcanbeEquALL to highlight their activities, spark conversations, and reaffirm their commitment to gender equality.
Compliance and Further Information
All activities should comply with DepEd Order No. 9, s. 2005, which ensures efficient time-on-task management in schools. For more information, stakeholders can visit PCW’s official social media pages (@PCWgovPH) or contact the Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development-Employee Welfare Division via email at gfps.secretariat@deped.gov.ph or telephone at (02) 8633-7229.
Conclusion
The 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration is an opportunity for all sectors, including education, to strengthen their commitment to gender equality. Through meaningful participation and advocacy, DepEd can play a significant role in empowering women and shaping a more inclusive future. Let’s celebrate and work together towards a society where women from all sectors can thrive!