The Philippines

None of the Philippine companies surveyed recently by the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) had a specific policy on gender equality in place. However, such policies might be considered unnecessary following the passage of the national Magna Carta on Women in 2009. By contrast, all but one of the companies (83%) had implemented a policy on sexual harassment.

Moreover, all had adopted maternity- and paternity-leave policies that included the return of women to the same jobs after they leave. Only two-thirds of the companies offered some form of child-care assistance, though all but one (83%) provided training intended to promote the advancement of women.

Overall, then, Philippine newsrooms appear to be characterized by relatively stable policies on maternity, paternity, sexual harassment, and so on that promote gender equality.

It is also noteworthy that a significant majority of journalists employed by Filipino companies, male and female, were found to offer full-time regular employment with benefits. Approximately the same proportions of women (43%) and men (56%) held regular full-time positions.

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