Even though Filipino women perceive a relatively high and positive level of gender equality at home, when asked about who really does the work at home, it shows a different image.
In light of International Women’s Day, this report shows the results of a nationwide (n=1,000) study conducted by Philippine Survey and Research Center (PSRC) alongside Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research and Opinion Poll (WIN) in January 2025.
This Worldviews Survey highlights the country’s progressive stance on gender issues, giving an optimistic picture of equality and fairness.
At home, the Philippines scored higher than the global average in achieving gender equality, recording a net score of 53% versus the 45% global average. Other Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam and Thailand, topped the list of countries in equality score.
In the workplace, a similar high trend for achieving gender equality was observed, with the Philippines achieving a 42% net equality score versus the 29% global average. Thailand and Vietnam again gained top scores with 72% net scores. This growing optimism shows how Filipinos place importance on achieving equality both at home and at work.
However, the lived experiences of women tell a different story from this optimistic outlook. Despite these positive reports, women continue to face significant challenges in their daily lives. They are disproportionately targeted by violence and sexual harassment, enduring threats and incidents that undermine their sense of safety and well-being.
Globally, 14% of women reported experiencing violence, and 26% reported sexual harassment in 2024. Although the situation in the Philippines seems better, with 6% of women reporting experiences of violence and 2% reporting sexual harassment, it does not mean the situation is good.
Filipinos still believe that violence is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. Social issues cannot be settled by just looking at the majority; it is a problem as long as there are people experiencing discrimination and violence.
At home, the burden also falls more heavily on women. Women face greater pressure to complete household chores, a burden that often goes unrecognized in reports. This added responsibility can limit their opportunities for personal and professional growth, perpetuating a cycle of inequality.
On average, women perform seven tasks at home, whereas men perform only four tasks. This puts a lot of pressure on women to maintain the household.
Richard Colwell, President of WIN, said: “The findings from this research highlight a stark contrast between the perception of gender equality and the lived realities of women. These unsettling figures serve as a reminder that safety and inequality remain as pressing global issues.
While progress has been made, it is clear that much work remains to be done to ensure that the optimistic reports align with the actual experiences of women.
About the study: WIN Worldviews Survey is an annual study conducted by WIN member research agencies. The 2025 study covers 39 countries globally, representing every continent. A total of 34,946 interviews were conducted globally, with 1,000 interviews conducted in the Philippines. PSRC is the local representative to WIN.
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