According to the 2024 report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, the labor force participation rate for women in the Philippines stands at 51.2%.[1] A significant number of these women are employed in the sales and service sectors. Due to its robust support for women’s workforce participation, the Philippines has been recognized as one of the leading countries in terms of gender parity.[2]
Women are making significant strides in management roles across various sectors. A report from Grant Thornton LLP revealed that the Philippines stands out among 28 countries for having the highest proportion of women in senior management positions.[3] This report also highlights that many companies in the Philippines recognize the value of gender diversity and believe it contributes to better business outcomes.
Their leadership is not only advancing gender equality but also driving economic growth. The Australian-based initiative Investing in Women states that 60% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country are led or owned by women.[4] Additionally, many cooperatives and people’s organizations in rural agricultural areas have employed women as managers and officers, further contributing to the country’s economic development.
Indeed, the indelible contributions of women to society are undeniable. Despite these significant advancements toward closing the gender gap, women still face obstacles that hinder their full empowerment.
Women are making significant strides in management roles across various sectors. A report from Grant Thornton LLP revealed that the Philippines stands out among 28 countries for having the highest proportion of women in senior management positions.[3] This report also highlights that many companies in the Philippines recognize the value of gender diversity and believe it contributes to better business outcomes.
Their leadership is not only advancing gender equality but also driving economic growth. The Australian-based initiative Investing in Women states that 60% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the country are led or owned by women.[4] Additionally, many cooperatives and people’s organizations in rural agricultural areas have employed women as managers and officers, further contributing to the country’s economic development.
Indeed, the indelible contributions of women to society are undeniable. Despite these significant advancements toward closing the gender gap, women still face obstacles that hinder their full empowerment.
Underrepresentation in forest governance
Based on a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), forest governance is defined as the “way in which public and private actors, including formal and informal institutions, smallholder and indigenous organizations, small, medium-sized and large enterprises, civil society organizations and other stakeholders negotiate, make and enforce binding decisions about the management, use, and conservation of forest resources.”[5]
Forest governance plays a crucial role in managing forest resources and supporting the sustainable development of local communities. Effective forest management can foster economic growth and empowerment among marginalized groups by ensuring equitable access to forest resources.
However, women are often underrepresented in this field. According to a module on forest governance by the FAO, women are often assigned tasks deemed "suitable" for them, which limits their opportunities to take on leadership roles. They are commonly relegated to consultative positions and lack access to training designed to develop their leadership potential within their communities.
These challenges have persisted due to cultural, social, and economic barriers that restrict women’s involvement in decision-making and policy development. Some still hold the belief that women should remain in domestic roles, focusing on childcare and household duties. This gender disparity in forestry governance and biodiversity protection undermines women's ability to contribute effectively to their communities.
Fortunately, organizations like the Haribon Foundation are addressing these challenges through initiatives such as the Women Go project, which collaborates with various partners to empower women leaders and enhance their participation in forest governance.
Forest governance plays a crucial role in managing forest resources and supporting the sustainable development of local communities. Effective forest management can foster economic growth and empowerment among marginalized groups by ensuring equitable access to forest resources.
However, women are often underrepresented in this field. According to a module on forest governance by the FAO, women are often assigned tasks deemed "suitable" for them, which limits their opportunities to take on leadership roles. They are commonly relegated to consultative positions and lack access to training designed to develop their leadership potential within their communities.
These challenges have persisted due to cultural, social, and economic barriers that restrict women’s involvement in decision-making and policy development. Some still hold the belief that women should remain in domestic roles, focusing on childcare and household duties. This gender disparity in forestry governance and biodiversity protection undermines women's ability to contribute effectively to their communities.
Fortunately, organizations like the Haribon Foundation are addressing these challenges through initiatives such as the Women Go project, which collaborates with various partners to empower women leaders and enhance their participation in forest governance.
Putting women at the frontline of forest governance
With support from the European Union, the Haribon Foundation launched the Women Go project in 2020. To increase the level of influence of rural women in Protected Areas (PA) towards social change, the project will run for four years. This will ensure that women are empowered to strengthen their family and community well-being, and enhance their capacities to actively participate in natural resource management while helping mitigate environmental risk and improve climate resiliency.
The Women Go project is currently being implemented in the forest municipalities of Quezon, collectively known as REINA (Real, Infanta, and General Nakar). The initiative focuses on supporting 100 rural women in these areas, where KALIPI, or Kalipi ng Liping Pilipina, were established to foster development and empowerment.
Several livelihood and environmental projects have been carried out through the Women Go project, advancing the objectives of the KALIPI groups. Notably, the transformative stories of women leaders stand out, showcasing their dedication, skills, and expertise. These women have demonstrated that their involvement can significantly impact community development and forest governance, proving that women can drive meaningful change in both areas.
The Women Go project is currently being implemented in the forest municipalities of Quezon, collectively known as REINA (Real, Infanta, and General Nakar). The initiative focuses on supporting 100 rural women in these areas, where KALIPI, or Kalipi ng Liping Pilipina, were established to foster development and empowerment.
Several livelihood and environmental projects have been carried out through the Women Go project, advancing the objectives of the KALIPI groups. Notably, the transformative stories of women leaders stand out, showcasing their dedication, skills, and expertise. These women have demonstrated that their involvement can significantly impact community development and forest governance, proving that women can drive meaningful change in both areas.
Cristina Luna, KALIPI Infanta
With almost 900 members, the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina Infanta Quezon Chapter Inc. (KALIPI Infanta) has been at the forefront of promoting women’s rights and welfare. And it is Cristina Luna, fondly known as Pangulong Cristy, who is leading the charge.
The KALIPI Infanta started in 2010 as a non-stock, non-profit organization that aims to articulate the aspirations of women to fundamental reforms and changes and work for the integration of women in the limelight of development as well as the promotion of women’s rights and equality.
The KALIPI Infanta started in 2010 as a non-stock, non-profit organization that aims to articulate the aspirations of women to fundamental reforms and changes and work for the integration of women in the limelight of development as well as the promotion of women’s rights and equality.
Covering 36 barangays of the municipality, it is no easy task for Cristy to lead the organization. Most of the women members help in the farming activities of their husbands while engaging in small-scale vegetable production in their backyards. But that is not enough to make ends meet. Infanta has a high poverty incidence of 27.3%,[6] and it is reflected in the lives of people residing in the area.
Seeing this predicament, Pangulong Cristy and the KALIPI Infanta sprang into action by collaborating with public and private institutions. In 2022, the organization was formally recognized and accredited by the LGU Infanta.
With partnership comes more benefits for KALIPI Infanta. While Pangulong Cristy looked for ways to harness the skills and talents of some of their women members, she also sought the government’s support in putting up a business.
With a P50,000 start-up fund from LGU, the organization set up a sewing livelihood that produces tote bags, foot rugs, and curtains. The LGU support also enabled them to sell their products to markets, schools, and other establishments.
Seeing how this livelihood could help conserve natural resources, the Haribon Foundation, through the Women Go project, supported KALIPI Infanta. They jointly crafted the project, “Envi-Friendly Fashion,” that turns wastes like old clothes and garments into bags, rags, and pot-holders. They also produced tote bags from manta cloth and eco-bag from Geena silk cloth. With the recycling of these products, clogging along sea waters and canals is prevented during the rainy season. The products can also be used as an alternative to plastic.
Seeing this predicament, Pangulong Cristy and the KALIPI Infanta sprang into action by collaborating with public and private institutions. In 2022, the organization was formally recognized and accredited by the LGU Infanta.
With partnership comes more benefits for KALIPI Infanta. While Pangulong Cristy looked for ways to harness the skills and talents of some of their women members, she also sought the government’s support in putting up a business.
With a P50,000 start-up fund from LGU, the organization set up a sewing livelihood that produces tote bags, foot rugs, and curtains. The LGU support also enabled them to sell their products to markets, schools, and other establishments.
Seeing how this livelihood could help conserve natural resources, the Haribon Foundation, through the Women Go project, supported KALIPI Infanta. They jointly crafted the project, “Envi-Friendly Fashion,” that turns wastes like old clothes and garments into bags, rags, and pot-holders. They also produced tote bags from manta cloth and eco-bag from Geena silk cloth. With the recycling of these products, clogging along sea waters and canals is prevented during the rainy season. The products can also be used as an alternative to plastic.
Pangulong Cristy did not only generate employment and income among its members. She also helped the group become responsible for protecting the environment. Aside from their eco-friendly business, they also conduct coastal clean-ups, tree planting activities, and participate in LGU-initiated garbage disposal / solid-waste management programs.
With these initiatives, Pangulong Cristy has been lauded for her exemplary leadership and her commitment to change for the better. And that has inspired other women leaders to step up and lead.
With these initiatives, Pangulong Cristy has been lauded for her exemplary leadership and her commitment to change for the better. And that has inspired other women leaders to step up and lead.
Aylene Fabula, KUMARE
Facing the Pacific Ocean, it is typical for the town of Real, Quezon, to be visited by strong typhoons. The violent storms have caused massive damage to houses and livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolks.
Rebuilding from disasters has been frequent and requires adequate financial resources. On normal occasions, people will need additional funds in case of emergencies or scaling up of their livelihood. Thankfully, they have KUMARE to run into.
The formation of Kilos Unlad ng Mamamayan ng Real, or KUMARE Inc., was prompted by a typhoon. When Teresa hit Real, Quezon in 1994, the Sisters of Sion deployed immediate relief to affected families. Additional funds came the following year, which were then used to establish KUMARE as a microfinance organization that aims to empower women and provide its members access to adequate economic resources, proper healthcare, and educational opportunities.
Rebuilding from disasters has been frequent and requires adequate financial resources. On normal occasions, people will need additional funds in case of emergencies or scaling up of their livelihood. Thankfully, they have KUMARE to run into.
The formation of Kilos Unlad ng Mamamayan ng Real, or KUMARE Inc., was prompted by a typhoon. When Teresa hit Real, Quezon in 1994, the Sisters of Sion deployed immediate relief to affected families. Additional funds came the following year, which were then used to establish KUMARE as a microfinance organization that aims to empower women and provide its members access to adequate economic resources, proper healthcare, and educational opportunities.
When Aylene Fabula became the Environment Program Committee Head, KUMARE grew into a network of 3,000-strong members. The organization has also expanded from its microfinance business to five other initiatives:
Under Aylene, livelihood opportunities also flourish for the members. Through the Women Go project, they began processing native fruits such as catmon, santol, and kamias into candies, chutneys (spread), and powders (for sinigang mix). Aside from the processors gaining income from the sold products, kamias suppliers are also benefiting, covering the whole value chain in the area.
As part of their ecology program, KUMARE planted kamias and other trees and led clean-up drives with the youth group, Kabataan Kaibigan ng Kalikasan (KKK). Aylene continued these initiatives as the environment program officer for the organization.
However, a huge contribution of Aylene was her efforts to establish a second line of women leaders who will continue to build upon the gains of KUMARE. Center leaders were appointed to oversee regular meetings and other activities on the ground. The organization provided leadership and organizational strengthening support among its members to boost empowerment.
With this, more Aylenes are expected to stand up, develop, and make a difference in the lives of more women in the future.
- Education program provided members and their family members access to educational and skills training such as the Social Enterprise Development (SED) program and college scholarships.
- Formation program which offers empowerment initiatives for women.
- Ecology and disaster relief and rehabilitation programs that foster awareness and conduct activities on ecological and environmental issues such as tree planting, coastal and highway clean-up, and;
- Household management program which fosters mentoring support and partnership with KUMARE members.
Under Aylene, livelihood opportunities also flourish for the members. Through the Women Go project, they began processing native fruits such as catmon, santol, and kamias into candies, chutneys (spread), and powders (for sinigang mix). Aside from the processors gaining income from the sold products, kamias suppliers are also benefiting, covering the whole value chain in the area.
As part of their ecology program, KUMARE planted kamias and other trees and led clean-up drives with the youth group, Kabataan Kaibigan ng Kalikasan (KKK). Aylene continued these initiatives as the environment program officer for the organization.
However, a huge contribution of Aylene was her efforts to establish a second line of women leaders who will continue to build upon the gains of KUMARE. Center leaders were appointed to oversee regular meetings and other activities on the ground. The organization provided leadership and organizational strengthening support among its members to boost empowerment.
With this, more Aylenes are expected to stand up, develop, and make a difference in the lives of more women in the future.
Rowena Escama, KALIPI Cawayan
The barangay hall of Cawayan in Real, Quezon is always bustling with activity. People from all walks of life come with various inquiries, requests, and complaints, knowing that their Kapitana is always ready to listen.
Rowena Escama is a dedicated servant leader who advanced from being a deputy or kagawad to the chairwoman of Brgy. Cawayan, addressing the needs of her community. Her experience is rooted in her role as an officer of KALIPI Cawayan, where she played a key role in shaping the organization into one focused on women’s empowerment and collaboration.
Established in 2021, the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) of Barangay Cawayan is a women-led group committed to environmental protection and promoting sustainable living among its 40 members.
Like other barangays in Real, Cawayan residents continue to suffer from poverty due to limited opportunities and insufficient development interventions. To tackle these issues, KALIPI Cawayan sought partnerships for support.
Rowena Escama is a dedicated servant leader who advanced from being a deputy or kagawad to the chairwoman of Brgy. Cawayan, addressing the needs of her community. Her experience is rooted in her role as an officer of KALIPI Cawayan, where she played a key role in shaping the organization into one focused on women’s empowerment and collaboration.
Established in 2021, the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) of Barangay Cawayan is a women-led group committed to environmental protection and promoting sustainable living among its 40 members.
Like other barangays in Real, Cawayan residents continue to suffer from poverty due to limited opportunities and insufficient development interventions. To tackle these issues, KALIPI Cawayan sought partnerships for support.
Rowena, leveraging her connections within the barangay, and KALIPI Cawayan President Edna Azogue established a connection with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Real through the Haribon Foundation’s Women Go project.
This partnership resulted in numerous successes for the organization. They gained access to various capacity-building activities that enhanced their enterprises and livelihoods.
This partnership resulted in numerous successes for the organization. They gained access to various capacity-building activities that enhanced their enterprises and livelihoods.
Notably, the technical and logistical support from the MSWDO benefited KALIPI Cawayan’s CaREAL tea business, which processes lemongrass into tea powders for local markets.
As a kagawad focused on environmental protection, Rowena has supported KALIPI Cawayan in undertaking projects such as clean-up drives in the barangay, Cawayan Falls, Baluti Island, and Kiloron, as well as tree-planting initiatives to preserve local forests.
Now, as chairwoman, Rowena could implement even more impactful empowerment and environmental programs, creating additional opportunities for the women of Cawayan.
As a kagawad focused on environmental protection, Rowena has supported KALIPI Cawayan in undertaking projects such as clean-up drives in the barangay, Cawayan Falls, Baluti Island, and Kiloron, as well as tree-planting initiatives to preserve local forests.
Now, as chairwoman, Rowena could implement even more impactful empowerment and environmental programs, creating additional opportunities for the women of Cawayan.
Zenaida Noledo, KALIPI Infanta
The success of Women Go is a recognition of women’s hard work, dedication, and desire for change. Women like Zenaida Noledo, an officer of KALIPI Infanta, exemplify such attributes, becoming a model for future leaders ahead.
As one of the founding members of KALIPI Infanta, Zenaida worked with other women leaders to advance the women’s position within their community. Having a sewing business herself, she lent her expertise to fellow members to build an eco-friendly sewing business that produces eco-bags, tote bags, and other garments from waste materials.
This endeavor has been lauded by the local government, which is also implementing its single-use plastic initiatives. Plastic bags are replaced with sando bags made by KALIPI Infanta.
Through its partnership with Haribon Foundation and Infanta LGU, KALIPI Infanta expanded its livelihood initiatives with other members. In the mountainous side of Infanta, members processed chips from kamote growing in the area. Another group also started making coconut jam and cultivating edible mushrooms.
Another undertaking KALIPI ventured into is its eco-brick-making project with the help of the Municipal Environment & Natural Resources. Plastic wastes and glass shards are processed into bricks, reducing their harmful effects on the environment.
As one of the founding members of KALIPI Infanta, Zenaida worked with other women leaders to advance the women’s position within their community. Having a sewing business herself, she lent her expertise to fellow members to build an eco-friendly sewing business that produces eco-bags, tote bags, and other garments from waste materials.
This endeavor has been lauded by the local government, which is also implementing its single-use plastic initiatives. Plastic bags are replaced with sando bags made by KALIPI Infanta.
Through its partnership with Haribon Foundation and Infanta LGU, KALIPI Infanta expanded its livelihood initiatives with other members. In the mountainous side of Infanta, members processed chips from kamote growing in the area. Another group also started making coconut jam and cultivating edible mushrooms.
Another undertaking KALIPI ventured into is its eco-brick-making project with the help of the Municipal Environment & Natural Resources. Plastic wastes and glass shards are processed into bricks, reducing their harmful effects on the environment.
The continuous organizational strengthening can be attributed to the success of KALIPI Infanta. Various women leaders from the different barangays in Infanta were trained and exposed to different community activities, sharpening their skills and knowledge. Second-liners are being prepared to take over leadership roles, sustaining the good practices in the long run.
Zenaida believes that having a compassionate and passionate heart is the key to good leadership. Her dedication remains the same despite taking a lesser role in the KALIPI. But still, she hopes that what she has contributed inspired more women leaders along the way.
Zenaida believes that having a compassionate and passionate heart is the key to good leadership. Her dedication remains the same despite taking a lesser role in the KALIPI. But still, she hopes that what she has contributed inspired more women leaders along the way.
Edna Azogue, KALIPI Cawayan
The introduction of the Women Go project to the REINA area opened new opportunities for women to contribute to their community and the environment. Seminars and training sessions, such as basic ecology orientations, were eye-opening for many, inspiring them to organize and develop empowerment programs. One such leader was Edna Azogue, president of KALIPI Cawayan.
Edna's family are rice farmers in Cawayan. Although they faced some challenges, Edna was content with their lives before the arrival of the Haribon Foundation. However, the introduction of Women Go motivated women to take a more active role in forest governance.
Women took the lead in environmental conservation efforts, engaging in activities such as waste segregation, clean-up drives, and tree planting. The collaboration eventually extended to livelihood projects, with Haribon Foundation providing a P50,000 seed fund to support the CaREAL lemongrass tea production and processing.
With the help from the local government, KALIPI Cawayan also established a lemongrass garden to supply their tea production. This lemongrass planting not only supported their business but also helped prevent soil erosion, particularly in elevated areas.
In addition to their lemongrass venture, the organization has diversified into blueberry planting, cacao tablea production, and mangrove planting. The latter aims to enhance marine resources in the region.
Edna's family are rice farmers in Cawayan. Although they faced some challenges, Edna was content with their lives before the arrival of the Haribon Foundation. However, the introduction of Women Go motivated women to take a more active role in forest governance.
Women took the lead in environmental conservation efforts, engaging in activities such as waste segregation, clean-up drives, and tree planting. The collaboration eventually extended to livelihood projects, with Haribon Foundation providing a P50,000 seed fund to support the CaREAL lemongrass tea production and processing.
With the help from the local government, KALIPI Cawayan also established a lemongrass garden to supply their tea production. This lemongrass planting not only supported their business but also helped prevent soil erosion, particularly in elevated areas.
In addition to their lemongrass venture, the organization has diversified into blueberry planting, cacao tablea production, and mangrove planting. The latter aims to enhance marine resources in the region.
Edna is grateful that the project has made significant progress in enhancing the welfare and status of women in her community. Currently serving as a kagawad in Brgy. Cawayan, she attributes her confidence to the empowerment initiatives provided by Women Go.
The future is bright for the women in forest governance
The experiences of Cristy, Aylene, Rowena, Zenaida, and Edna demonstrate that women's involvement in forest governance is progressing. With appropriate government policies and a more inclusive environment, even more women could engage in this field.
All KALIPIs have begun leadership and management training to empower more women to take on active roles. Local government agencies have also adopted programs to support the rise of more women leaders.
Women's groups are now engaged in a broader range of activities beyond just Women’s Month events.
It is hoped that the initiatives of the Women Go project can be replicated in other regions. With increased support, women can drive positive changes that benefit both communities and the environment. The more women are involved in these initiatives, the greater the overall development for everyone involved.
All KALIPIs have begun leadership and management training to empower more women to take on active roles. Local government agencies have also adopted programs to support the rise of more women leaders.
Women's groups are now engaged in a broader range of activities beyond just Women’s Month events.
It is hoped that the initiatives of the Women Go project can be replicated in other regions. With increased support, women can drive positive changes that benefit both communities and the environment. The more women are involved in these initiatives, the greater the overall development for everyone involved.
The complete PDF version of this article can be downloaded here:
Download PDF[1] Fact Sheet on Women and Men in the Philippines. Philippine Statistics Authority. 2024
[2] Global Gender Gap Report 2023. World Economic Forum. 2023
[3] Women in Business. 2024 Pathways to Parity. Grant Thornton. 2024
[4] https://investinginwomen.asia/posts/why-investing-in-women-is-good-business/
[5] Women in forestry: Challenges and Opportunities. Food and Agriculture Organization. 2014
[6] https://www.psa.gov.ph/content/psa-releases-2021-city-and-municipal-level-poverty-estimates
[2] Global Gender Gap Report 2023. World Economic Forum. 2023
[3] Women in Business. 2024 Pathways to Parity. Grant Thornton. 2024
[4] https://investinginwomen.asia/posts/why-investing-in-women-is-good-business/
[5] Women in forestry: Challenges and Opportunities. Food and Agriculture Organization. 2014
[6] https://www.psa.gov.ph/content/psa-releases-2021-city-and-municipal-level-poverty-estimates
