Australia supports a better balance for women

I’ve met Filipinos from all walks of life in the seven weeks since starting work as Australian Ambassador to the Philippines.

 And in that time I can see why this country has a reputation as a nation of strong women. Whether in government, civil society, or in professional services, I’ve met several distinguished women performing leading roles.

 The Global Gender Gap Report, which measures how gender equality shapes a country’s growth, competitiveness and potential, consistently ranks the Philippines among the world’s top ten. So it’s no wonder the Philippines dedicates the whole of March to celebrate International Women’s Month.

 The theme of International Women’s Day 2019 is #BalanceForBetter. It reflects findings that gender-equal businesses are more productive; gender-equal communities tend to be more cohesive; and families where caring and household chores are shared are happier.

  Australia’s Investing in Women initiative, which supports gender equality in economic opportunity, recently surveyed attitudes in urban centres across the Philippines among young women and men on household and workplace responsibilities.

 Despite more women graduating from universities than men, women are still about 30 percent less likely to be in the workforce than men. Women who are in the workforce full time, are also 42 percent more likely to also be doing the majority of home responsibilities. Even with a partner, many women virtually have two full-time jobs – at work and at home.

 The Philippines’ new Expanded Maternity Leave Law, which gives women 105 days of maternity leave, will help women to balance having a family and paid work. It deserves to be celebrated and I encourage parents and businesses to use it, not least because of the broader economic benefits this can bring. 

The reality for men in the Philippines is that most take less than two weeks paternity leave and more than 40 per cent believe they will be criticised if they do take it. I’m heartened that proposals have been filed in Congress to increase paternity leave. 

Research from other countries shows that when men take significant periods of paternity leave, they are more likely to share household chores and have stronger relationships with their children. They are also supporting balance in their families.

 Australia supports local efforts to change attitudes about family balance. A campaign #inFAIRness, led by SPARK Philippines, a group which champions women in economic development, promotes men’s role at home alongside women’s role in the workplace. 

Their messages “Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis (If the Mr could, so can the Mrs)” or “Mahal mo sa Buhay, Kasangga mo sa Gawaing Bahay (Your loved one is your partner in house work)” have now been seen by more than 50,000 commuters in Manila, Cebu and Davao.

I am optimistic that as the conversation continues, more men will get involved in striving for balance and the Philippines will continue to be a world leader in gender equality.

This International Women’s Day let’s remember that #BalanceForBetter means tackling those stereotypes which leave women with most of the unpaid work at home. 

Men and women in the Philippines have a lot to gain from a better balance across work and home life – and so does the country’s economy. 

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 (Steven J Robinson AO is the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines. Follow him on Twitter @AusAmbPH)