Having closed nearly 79% of its gender gap, the Philippines is one of the more gender-equal countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The gender gap is measured on the basis of workplace participation, economic leadership, education, work benefits, and workplace recognition.

Female labor rights in the Philippines ensure that equal opportunities are given to both men and women employees in the workplace. Under the labor code of the Philippines, special protection and safety of women need to be considered by employers. In addition, employers must provide female employees an alternative to night work (for those in night shifts) before and after childbirth for a period of at least 16 weeks. The law also states that women in the labor force cannot be dismissed unlawfully or be mistreated by male coworkers.

Here are some of the other labor rights for women in the Philippines:

Health and Safety of Women

The right to health and safety ensures that every woman is provided adequate working conditions to ensure the optimum health of female workers. Employers are also required to ensure that safety regulations are being followed and no woman is subjected to an unfair workload.

Protection against Discrimination or Harassment

Women in the Philippines are also protected against workplace harassment or discrimination. Women are to be provided a culturally sensitive platform to report any cases of mistreatment, harassment, or discrimination.

Equal Compensation

Men and women at the workplace must be given equal pay for the same work. Even if the nature of the job is not exactly identical but similar, the compensation must be equal.

Maternity Leave

Women are entitled to receive maternity leave regardless of their civil status. The period of maternity leave is 45 days, during which women are entitled to receive full compensation. Female employees are required to take maternity leave in a contiguous manner, either before or after the actual delivery of the child.

Annual Leave

Women are entitled to take their specified annual leave, if they want, without any restrictions or limitations. However, the employer is responsible for approving and compensating the employee to the extent of the leave as per the law.

Health Insurance

Women in the Philippines are required to have health insurance in case they fall sick or end up disabled during their course of employment. The employer or any third party does not have the right to deny health insurance to working women in the Philippines.