Gender inequality is the discrimination of sex or gender, which cause one sex or gender to be more privileged and prioritized than the other sex or gender. Gender inequality can be seen in situations such as gender bias in education, the gender pay gap, and lack of representation for women in the labor force or at the policy level. Although gender equality is one of the basic human rights that should be protected by societies and countries, it is not protected for female Filipinos in the Philippines. 

According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Report 2021, the Philippines has ranked 17th among 156 nations in closing gender inequality. The gender gap is especially visible in the labor force as there is only 49% of female Filipino participation, making the Philippines rank one of the lowest in the East Asia Pacific (EAP) region. However, compared to women’s participation, there is 76% of men participate in the labor force in the Philippines. This low percentage of women workers hinders the Philippines from experiencing economic growth and increased prosperity, as an increase in women workers by 0.5% per year would increase gross domestic product (GDP) per capita by about 6% by 2040 and almost 10% by 2050. 

There are many reasons why there are barriers to women’s labor force participation in the Philippines. First of all, most women lack many of the skills that are needed to be employed in high-skill occupations due to the low level of education they received. Also, there is a difference in the wage gap between female and male workers. Women that work in low-skill positions earn much less than men. The social norms about women’s roles in society, having to stay home and take care of the children decrease women’s engagement in the labor force. 

To reduce gender inequality in the Philippines, the government should make more policies and programs to increase women's labor force participation. They should provide social welfare systems such as giving free childcare at home, supporting flexible work schedules for women, and addressing any social norms that influence women’s participation in the labor force. 

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