MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO.

2024-02

TO: Heads of Executive Departments, Agencies, Bureaus, Offices, State

Universities and Colleges, Government-Owned and/or -Controlled
Corporations, Legislative and Judiciary Branches, Constitutional
Bodies, Other Instrumentalities of the National Government, Local
Government Units, and All Others Concerned

SUBJECT: Guide for the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration

DATE: February 2, 2024

1.0 Purpose

This Memorandum Circular is issued to guide stakeholders in their

preparation and conduct of the National Women's Month Celebration (NWMC)
in March 2024. The sections include:

● Background of the National Women’s Month Celebration and its legal

bases;
● Campaign Objectives;
● Recurring theme for 2023 to 2028;
● Focus for the 2024 NWMC Campaign;
● Suggested Activities for Stakeholders;
● PCW-organized NWMC activities;
● Observance of Health and Safety Protocols and Conducting Peaceful
and Non-partisan activities;
● Use of Gender and Development (GAD) Budget; and
● Details for sending inquiries and feedback

2.0 Background and Policy Mandates

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) spearheads the annual NWMC

dedicated to recognizing women and their invaluable contributions to
nation-building. Emphasizing the imperative to safeguard, advocate for, and
uphold women's rights, the NWMC aims to empower women to unleash their
full potential and well-being, positioning them as active contributors to the
nation's progress. Moreover, this annual event aligns with the global
observance of International Women's Day (IWD).

The following issuances serve as the legal bases for the NWMC:

● Proclamation No. 224, s. of 1988, declaring the first week of March each
year as Women’s Week and March 8 as Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;

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 ● Proclamation No. 227, s. of 1988, providing for the observance of the
Month of March as Women’s Role in History Month; and

● Republic Act No. 6949 (1990), declaring March 8 of every year as

National Women’s Day.

In addition, the country also celebrates the Girl Child Week and the Women
with Disabilities Day within the NWMC in accordance with the following:

● Proclamation No. 759, s. of 1996 - Declaring every fourth week of

March as the Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment of the Girl Child
Week. This underscores the necessity to afford every girl under the age of
18 equal opportunities and sufficient protection, preparing her for a role in
community development.

● Proclamation No. 744, s. of 2004 – Declaring the last Monday of March

of every year as Women with Disabilities Day to advocate for the
safeguarding and integration of women with disabilities into society,
ensuring they receive equal rights in legal matters and across all facets of
human pursuits.

3.0 Multi-year Theme and Objectives

The 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration aims to capitalize on the

recurring theme "WE for gender equality and inclusive society,"
introduced in 2023. This theme, launched to renew commitment to the
advocacy, builds upon the accomplishments under the 2016-2022 theme,
"WE Make CHANGE Work for Women." The earlier theme stressed the
importance of compassionate and harmonized networks towards gender
equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE).

The banner for this annual campaign is both a positive affirmation and a
call to action. It is a testament to the milestones achieved in closing
gender gaps in the country and in gathering more support to the
advocacy. In the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) Report by the
World Economic Forum (WEF), the Philippines maintains its status as the
leading Asian country in narrowing the gender gap. The country has
attained 79.1 percent gender parity, securing the 16th position out of 146
countries globally—a rise of three places from its previous ranking. In the
East Asia and the Pacific region, the Philippines holds the second spot
among its neighboring countries, trailing only behind New Zealand.
Notably, it stands as the sole Asian nation within the top twenty, with
Singapore following at the 49th position. The Global Gender Gap Index
evaluates gender equality and progress across four crucial dimensions:
Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Political
Empowerment, and Health and Survival.

The recurring theme also aligns with the Philippine Development Plan
2023-2028, which aims for “deep economic and social transformation to
reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the
economy back on a high-growth path.” This plan also highlights that

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 growth must be inclusive, building an environment that provides equal
opportunities to all Filipinos and equipping them with skills to participate
fully in an innovative and globally competitive economy.

Elements of the theme:

● WE represents Women and Everyone, highlighting the collective

responsibility for gender equality, not solely resting on women but involving
everyone. WE also symbolizes Women's Empowerment, a goal achievable
when various entities, ranging from agencies and institutions to private
partners and duty-bearers at national and local levels, ensure women equal
rights and opportunities. The active participation of women in seizing these
opportunities is also essential. Through the collaborative efforts of women and
everyone, achieving gender equality becomes a tangible possibility.

● Gender Equality constitutes the first component of the Gender Equality and
Women's Empowerment (GEWE) advocacy, representing the fundamental
goal in advancing women's rights. The theme underscores the need for
accelerated action to intensify efforts toward this crucial aspiration. According
to the Global Gender Gap Report, progress is slow, with the global gender
gap closing at only 68.4%. At this rate, achieving complete parity would
require 131 years. It must also be noted that no country has yet attained full
gender parity.

Despite this extended timeline, the struggle for gender equality today is an
investment in a more inclusive and improved future, even if the complete
realization may extend beyond our current generations. The phrase gender
equality is also preceded by the word “for”, signifying our call to women and
everyone to advocate for, take action on, and promote equality and inclusivity.

● Inclusive society goes beyond a gender-responsive approach; it champions

a society that surpasses the distinctions in SOGIE, class, ability, generation,
status, and culture. It envisions a society where every individual, each
endowed with rights and responsibilities, plays an active role. Equality and
inclusion are interwoven elements of the GEWE advocacy, emphasizing the
importance of fostering a society that embraces and celebrates diversity.

Objectives:

Agencies at the national and local levels, as well as other stakeholders, shall be
guided by the following general objectives in planning their NWMC 2024 activities:

● Inform and engage women and everyone in pushing for the transformation of
gender norms and culture towards an inclusive society;
● Highlight the collaborative efforts of government agencies and the private
sector in addressing poverty and strengthening financial institutions to bridge
gender gaps, advocating for social protection systems, and enhancing access
to public services and sustainable infrastructure for women and girls;
● Provide platforms to share good practices and address gaps, challenges, and
commitments in pursuing gender and development (GAD), further

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 strengthening the implementation of the Magna Carta of Women toward its
milestone 15th year this 2024;
● Inspire women and girls to empower themselves and take on leadership roles,
opportunities, and benefits toward maximizing their full potential and enabling
them to reap the fruits of gender equality;
● Promote a society that ensures inclusion, protection of fundamental freedoms,
diversity, and social justice, in which every individual, each with rights and
responsibilities, is capacitated and encouraged to take an active role in
playing.

4.0 Focus for the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration

Grounded on the objective of transforming culture toward a more equal and

inclusive future, the 2024 NWMC bears the sub-theme, “Lipunang Patas sa
Bagong Pilipinas; Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” It echoes
the target outcomes of Chapter 15 in the Updated Gender Equality and
Women’s Empowerment Plan 2019-2025 towards transforming gender norms
and culture.

With “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” the 2024 sub-theme calls for a
Bagong Pilipinas where women are given equitable opportunities and not
hindered by gender biases and discriminatory stereotypes. “Kakayahan ng
Kababaihan, Patutunayan!,” aims to showcase and harness the full potentials
of women and girls in actively engaging in and reaping the benefits of national
growth and development. However, achieving this requires an enabling
environment free from discriminatory values, stereotypes, beliefs, treatment,
and portrayal of women and girls across family, religion, education, sports,
media, and other relevant institutions. The vision extends to government
agencies and institutions incorporating gender mainstreaming in the
bureaucracy, men joining the cause for equality, and establishing a legal
framework that supports the protection of marginalized groups of women,
including the girl child, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, Muslims,
and those with diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression
(SOGIE).

5.0 Suggested Activities

PCW urges government agencies, non-government organizations, sectoral groups,

private entities, civil society organizations, and various stakeholders at national,
regional, and local levels to organize meaningful and pertinent activities aligning with
the overarching theme and sub-theme of the 2024 National Women's Month
Celebration (NWMC) and the Gender and Development (GAD) objectives. Possible
activities may include:

5.1 NWMC-themed Flag Raising Ceremony – Government agencies and

local government units are encouraged to incorporate National Women's
Month Celebration (NWMC) announcements, reminders, messages, and
activities during their respective Flag Raising Ceremonies in the last week of
February and the first week of March (or other applicable dates). The use of
the All-Women Cast Lupang Hinirang Video in NWMC events is strongly

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Tel. Nos.: (632) 8736-5249 / 8735-1654 | Fax No: (632) 8736-4449 | Website: https://www.pcw.gov.ph
 advised. The music video can be downloaded from
https://library.pcw.gov.ph/lupang-hinirang-all-women-cast/.

5.2 For GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) Members - Members of the GFPS
in agencies mandated to empower women and girls through initiatives
addressing poverty, strengthening institutions, financing with a gender
perspective, promoting social protection systems, access to public services,
and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality, are invited to attend the
onsite event on International Women’s Day (March 8). This is an event to be
conducted in collaboration with UN Women and SM Supermalls. Updates
with specific details about agency participation will be posted on the
National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) webpage.

5.3 GAD Forum / GAD Agenda Setting - Government agencies and local
government units (LGUs) can hold onsite, virtual, or hybrid activities
addressing gender issues within their purview, aligned with their respective
mandates. These initiatives can involve tackling gender-related challenges
and assessing internal concerns that require prompt attention. Through GAD
Agenda Setting, agencies and LGUs can engage in reflection on their own
Gender and Development (GAD) journey, strategically planning future
initiatives to foster gender-responsive governance. This approach aims to
contribute to the well-being of their clients/constituents and internal
stakeholders.

5.4 #GADtoKnow – Agencies and LGUs can create, circulate, and/or

disseminate information materials (both online and in print) that highlight their
roster of gender-responsive programs and services catering to women. These
materials can also outline simplified steps and requirements for women to
access these services. Additionally, participating agencies and stakeholders
are encouraged to generate and distribute various Information, Education,
and Communication (IEC) materials pertaining to the National Women’s
Month Celebration and relevant women-related laws. Agencies can access
information materials at https://library.pcw.gov.ph.

5.5 Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan! Together, we say, women

can and women will!. Let's redefine gender narratives by organizing
interactive activities that open discussions about gender equality, challenge
stereotypes, and promote cultural shifts. Stakeholders could invite
knowledgeable speakers, including gender experts and advocates, to share
insights on breaking down societal norms and cultivating a more inclusive
culture. Workshops, onsite or online, could also include activities that
encourage participants to reflect on their own biases and engage in dialogue
about how to collectively create positive change by taking concrete actions.
This hands-on approach not only raises awareness but also actively involves
stakeholders in the process of transforming gender and social norms during
the celebration.

5.6 Twenty Years of Republic Act 9262: Looking back and looking
forward. Year 2024 marks the twentieth year since the passage of Republic
Act 9262, also known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children
(VAWC) Act. A landmark legislation in the Philippines, it aims to address and

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Tel. Nos.: (632) 8736-5249 / 8735-1654 | Fax No: (632) 8736-4449 | Website: https://www.pcw.gov.ph
 prevent domestic violence against women and children. In commemoration of
its passage on March 8, 2004, agencies, especially with mandates relative to
addressing VAW, can conduct activities that aim to look back at the significant
strides in the country's commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being
of women and children through this law. They can also evaluate the gaps and
challenges in implementing the law and formulate ways to strengthen
measures to combat various forms of VAW.

5.7 2024 NWMC banner of support. Show that you are for gender equality
and inclusive society! Exhibit the National Women’s Month Celebration banner
prominently in front of your offices, landmarks, and other designated areas. In
addition, upload the digital version to your agency's or organization’s official
website and social media accounts.

5.8 #PurpleFridays or #PurpleYourIcon. Don anything in the color purple

every Friday throughout March to symbolize solidarity with women's
empowerment and gender equality. Additionally, consider illuminating or
adorning offices or landmarks with purple elements as a tribute to women and
their impactful contributions to society. This gesture serves not only as a
celebration but also as a catalyst for conversations surrounding the National
Women’s Month Celebration.

5.9 Musika ng Kababaihan Fridays (#MNKFridays). Tune into gender

equality with melodies and harmony! Share the songs from the MusikJuana
Songwriting Contest and other PCW advocacy tunes within office spaces,
public and private establishments, parks, and across social media platforms
every Friday throughout March. Get these hymns of women’s empowerment:
https://library.pcw.gov.ph/search/?q=musikjuana.

5.10 Offer your own “Serbisyo para kay Juana”. Public and private entities
delivering direct services, transactions, and products to the public have the
option to extend gestures of appreciation to women and girls on International
Women’s Day (March 8) and/or other dates in March. These tokens may
include freebies, discounts, special lanes, and other promotions as a tribute
during this special month of celebration. Moreover, government agencies and
private organizations, especially those involved in addressing poverty, in
finance, social protection measures, access to public services, and
sustainable infrastructure, can organize caravans, fairs, or similar activities.
These events can serve as platforms to disseminate information about their
efforts and initiatives aimed at empowering women in these aspects.
Stakeholders who wish to have their #SerbisyoParaKayJuana activities
included in PCW’s list for announcements are requested to fill out the form on
the NWMC webpage.

5.11 Coordination with regional and local GAD mechanisms. Coordination

with Regional GAD Councils aims to facilitate inter-agency activities focused
on enhancing the implementation and monitoring of key legislations such as
the Magna Carta of Women, as well as other laws pertaining to women's
rights and Gender and Development. By fostering cooperation at both
regional and local levels, these initiatives contribute to a more comprehensive

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Tel. Nos.: (632) 8736-5249 / 8735-1654 | Fax No: (632) 8736-4449 | Website: https://www.pcw.gov.ph
 and effective approach in advancing gender equality and empowering women
within their respective areas.

5.12 Organize activities in support of the Girl Child Week and the Women
with Disabilities Day Celebration. Everyone is encouraged to join the Girl
Child Week, observed every fourth week of March, which is led by the Council
for the Welfare of Children (CWC), as well as the Women with Disabilities Day
celebration spearheaded annually by the National Council on Disability Affairs
(NCDA).

5.13 Use the official collateral designs released by PCW. Stakeholders are
encouraged to utilize the official branding design released by the PCW for the
2024 National Women's Month Celebration (NWMC). The branding guide,
standard banner, and sample collateral designs are available for download at
the NWMC webpage.

5.14 Use the official hashtag: #WEcanbeEquALL. Generating support for

the cause, the online campaign aims to demonstrate our hope that
#WEcanbeEquALL. This hashtag encourages women and everyone (WE) to
advocate for equality and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance that ALL
individuals, irrespective of gender, ability, status, or situation, are treated with
respect and granted their rights. Participants are invited to use this hashtag
not only to express their dedication but also to share their commitments and
action plans in promoting gender equality and advancing an inclusive society.

5.15 Support PCW’s online advocacy. Leverage the full potential of the
digital sphere by amplifying the advocacy online, promoting PCW's official
social media accounts, and crafting NWMC campaigns tailored to individual
agencies. Use the 2024 NWMC Advocacy Profile Photo and Background,
along with other online resources such as the sticker pack, collaterals, and
story frames. Participants are encouraged to showcase their activities in the
virtual space and actively engage in the online conversation using the hashtag
#WEcanbeEquALL.

5.16 Be featured in the NWMC Calendar of Activities and Activity Photos.

The PCW strongly encourages agencies with planned activities to share the
details with the Commission, so their events can be featured in the NWMC
Calendar of Activities. Moreover, agencies can submit photos of their activities
for potential posting on PCW's Facebook page, subject to review and
adherence to deadlines. Submission of activity lineups and photos can be
done through the links available on the NWMC webpage.

6.0 PCW-Organized Activities

Stakeholders are enjoined to participate or support the activities organized by the
PCW in time for the 2024 NWMC.

6.1 International Women’s Day Celebration: Investing in Equality toward

Gender-Inclusive Prosperity

In celebration of International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8, 2024, the

Philippine Commission on Women, SM Supermalls, and UN Women will lead
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Tel. Nos.: (632) 8736-5249 / 8735-1654 | Fax No: (632) 8736-4449 | Website: https://www.pcw.gov.ph
conversations anchored in the IWD theme “Invest in women: Accelerate
progress”. The focus will be on addressing poverty and strengthening
institutions and financing through a gender perspective. The session will delve
into crucial topics such as financing with a gender lens and the outcomes of
Gender and Development (GAD) budget initiatives. Esteemed panelists from
different key government agencies will provide valuable insights. The session
will also highlight the various initiatives of the United Nations agencies and
development partners in accelerating progress through empowering and
enabling women, in line with the relevant Sustainable Development Goals.
Another discussion will spotlight the important role of technology in advancing
women’s empowerment, particularly for entrepreneurs, and how businesses
can leverage technology to bridge gender gaps and promote social change.
From corporate social responsibility initiatives to sustainable business practices,
the discussion aims to shed light on the multifaceted ways in which the private
sector can act as catalysts for poverty alleviation and institution-building.
Another session will zero in on gender-inclusive financing and exploring ways to
combat poverty through technology, with a specific emphasis on finance
technology and ICT.

6.2 Launching of the radio plugs development on transforming

gender norms

Dedicated to cultivating a culture of gender equality, the PCW intends to

harness the power and influence of radio to connect with audiences. To be
teased during the NWMC 2024, these radio plugs will endeavor to question and
transform prevailing societal norms, prompting a transition toward a more
inclusive and fair society. The radio plugs, concise but catchy, aim to spark
conversations about the existing norms and how these can be changed.

6.3 #JuanaSays 2024

Marking a decade since it was launched in 2015, #JuanaSays will feature daily
inspirational statements from women who have made a significant impact,
shattered stereotypes, and played a pivotal role in reshaping gender norms in
various fields. Aligned with the International Women's Day theme, this year's
#JuanaSays will also spotlight women who are at the forefront of initiatives
aimed at narrowing gender disparities in finance. This includes their efforts in
addressing poverty, providing financial education and technology, advocating
for social protection systems, and improving access to public services and
sustainable infrastructure for women and girls.

6.4 #WEcanbeEquALL

Mobilizing support to the cause for gender equality, the online campaign aims to
express our optimism that #WEcanbeEquALL. This hashtag inspires women
and everyone (WE) to advocate for equality and inclusivity, ensuring that ALL,
irrespective of gender, ability, status, or circumstances, receive due respect and
rights. With our rallying banner #WEcanbeEquALL, the commitment is to leave
no one behind. Participants are encouraged to use this hashtag to not only
share their dedication but also outline their plans of action in the pursuit of
gender equality and the establishment of an inclusive society.

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Tel. Nos.: (632) 8736-5249 / 8735-1654 | Fax No: (632) 8736-4449 | Website: https://www.pcw.gov.ph
 6.5 2024 NWMC Sticker Pack

The PCW will release a digital sticker pack designed for daily use, filled with
uplifting messages centered around gender equality and women's
empowerment. This innovative sticker pack serves as a powerful tool to infuse
positivity into daily digital conversations while promoting essential values of
equality and empowerment. Users can easily incorporate these expressive
stickers into their daily interactions, fostering awareness and encouraging
discussions on the crucial issues of gender parity. With a diverse range of
positive messages, PCW's digital sticker pack aims to make a meaningful
impact by fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect in the digital realm, one
sticker at a time.

7.0 Observance of Health and Safety Protocols and Conducting Peaceful and
Non-partisan activities

The PCW reminds all stakeholders to observe relevant health and safety
protocols in conducting physical gatherings in their respective areas. The
annual celebration of the National Women’s Month is also a peaceful and
non-partisan activity. To maintain the focus on the advocacy, please refrain from
using PCW-produced materials for partisan political activities.

8.0 Use of the Gender and Development Budget

The PCW organizes the NWMC, an annual advocacy event, in accordance with
existing legal and GAD mandates. This initiative aims to raise public awareness
about women's issues and acknowledge the crucial role of women in society.
Government offices can allocate expenses for the annual NWMC from their
GAD Budget and include them in their GAD Accomplishment Reports. However,
this is contingent upon ensuring that the activities align with the theme,
objectives, and focus area outlined in PCW's guidelines and fall within the
mandate of the implementing government agency.

This circular does not intend to modify established policies in GAD Planning
and Budgeting, procurement, auditing, and financial and administrative-related
policies set by relevant oversight agencies.

9.0 Additional Information and Inquiries

Stakeholders are advised to visit this link for more information, downloadable
collateral designs, and updates about the 2024 NWMC:

https://pcw.gov.ph/2024-national-womens-month-celebration/

Announcements are also posted on PCW’s official social media pages:

https://www.facebook.com/PCWgovph
https://twitter.com/PCWgovph
https://www.instagram.com/pcwgovph/

1145 Jose P. Laurel Street, Malacañan Palace Complex, San Miguel, Manila 1005 Philippines
Tel. Nos.: (632) 8736-5249 / 8735-1654 | Fax No: (632) 8736-4449 | Website: https://www.pcw.gov.ph
 Advocates can also join the Philippine Commission on Women's Viber Channel
for the latest updates:

https://bit.ly/pcwgovphviber

For further questions and clarifications, stakeholders may contact PCW’s

Corporate Affairs and Information Resource Management Division through
Trunk Line: (02) 8735-1654, local 131 or 121, Direct Line: (02) 8352-5372 (Ms.
Nevicshky Calma and Mr. Ann Jun Magnaye) or email:
[email protected] and [email protected].

10.0 For guidance and appropriate action.

ATTY. KHAY ANN C. MAGUNDAYAO-BORLADO

Officer-in-Charge

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Tel. Nos.: (632) 8736-5249 / 8735-1654 | Fax No: (632) 8736-4449 | Website: https://www.pcw.gov.ph