This International Women’s Day, Balay Rehabilitation Center stands in solidarity with women across all sectors of society especially those who are marginalized and left behind in their pursuit of their fundamental rights and consequently, their liberation.

In our country’s history, women have been in the forefront of movements that struggled for social and political change. However, despite their significant contributions, they still face systemic discrimination hindering their ability to fully exercise their civic and political rights.

Furthermore, women’s rights do not end in attaining their civil and political rights as their economic, social, and cultural rights are equally important. The day to day of women in the Philippines are riddled with inequalities in access to education, healthcare, employment, and economic opportunities. Discriminatory practices, such as gender-based violence and unequal pay, further exacerbate these disparities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion.

Unfortunately, the women who fight for the recognition and the attainment of their economic, social, and cultural rights fall victim to countless abuses of their civic and political rights. The widespread human rights abuses perpetrated against women must be acted upon. We call on duty bearers to uphold their obligations under international human rights law to protect the rights of all individuals and to ensure accountability for perpetrators of violence and abuse.

As we commemorate International Women’s Day, Balay remains resolute in its mission to support women in their struggle towards a future where they can exercise their rights freely, participate fully in decision-making processes, and live with dignity and equity.