State of Emergency is Not Gender-Neutral: PCW Calls for Gender Lens in Government Energy Policies

State of Emergency is Not Gender-Neutral: PCW Calls for Gender Lens in Government Energy Policies

As the government rolls out policies to address the national energy crisis, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) asserts that gender concerns are not optional and must not be sidelined during emergencies.

Through Advisory No. 2026-001, the PCW invokes the Magna Carta of Women, which mandates the State to ensure the protection, security, and adequate resource allocation for women during crisis situations. The Commission emphasizes that crisis responses, including austerity measures and fund releases, must integrate a gender lens.

The PCW advises policymakers and technical staff to ensure that energy relief and welfare programs specifically prioritize highly vulnerable groups, including women-headed households, elderly women, solo mothers, widows, and women with disabilities. Emergency policies must also recognize households of persons with diverse SOGIESC, ensuring equitable access to relief and recovery programs for all family types, including chosen families. Furthermore, if government office hours are reduced for energy conservation, the PCW strongly recommends implementing care-responsive scheduling, such as flexible work arrangements for employees with caregiving responsibilities.