Makati City: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) cited the need to eliminate gender biases and discrimination in the workforce as it called for a gender-responsive approach to ensure equal opportunities and protection for women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s advocacy of recognizing the increasing role of women in nation-building and the necessity to provide them with more opportunities, greater confidence, and a stronger voice in society.

In her speech at the Women OFW Conference in Makati City on Wednesday, DMW Undersecretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay emphasized the importance of upskilling women OFWs to enhance their employment opportunities both locally and internationally. She also mentioned that although women OFWs now dominate various fields of work, they are sometimes undervalued by the economic systems.

‘Let us continue to build on the foundation of women’s empowerment, independence, confidence, and hope, such values that define every Filipina’s strength and contribution to society,’ Tutay stated.

The DMW reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to training programs that would improve the career prospects of women migrants. The Women OFW Conference, held in line with the celebration of National Women’s Month, highlighted the importance of stronger legal protection and welfare programs, particularly under Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, which guarantees protection against gender-based violence, mental health and psychosocial support, and workplace equality and fair treatment.