Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh!

Madayaw ug maayong adlaw kaninyong tanan.

Magandang araw sa inyong lahat!

My warmest greetings as we celebrate International Women’s Day and National Women’s Month 2025!

Across all sectors, Filipino women are at the forefront of change—leading in governance, driving innovation, and strengthening communities.

Our resilience and contributions shape a more inclusive and progressive society.

Yet, we cannot ignore the alarming reality that violence against women and children and human trafficking continue to threaten the safety and dignity of many.

From domestic abuse to online exploitation and trafficking, gender-based violence remains a persistent barrier to women’s empowerment.

The fight for women’s rights is not just about closing economic and political gaps—it is about ensuring that every woman and child is protected, heard, and allowed to thrive.

Let us work together to strengthen our laws, improve access to justice, support survivors, and challenge the deeply rooted norms that enable violence.

Every sector of society—government, private institutions, civil society, and individuals—must work together to break the cycle of abuse and exploitation.

Together, let us build a future where no woman fears for her safety, where every girl can pursue her dreams without fear of violence, and where equality is not just a goal, but a lived reality.

Mabuhay ang kababaihang Pilipino!

Ang lahat ng ating ginagawa ay para sa Diyos, sa bayan, at sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino.

Shukran.

SARA Z. DUTERTE Vice President of the Philippines