MANILA - Women should be given equal opportunities in the labor force to boost economic growth, business groups said on Tuesday. 

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Engr. Eunina Mangio said progress has been achieved in raising women's representation in the workforce.

“Dati ang mga babae sa atin, napag-iiwanan, nasa bahay ‘yong iba. Even in their employment, magkakaroon ng problema. Women are treated secondary to the men for a position with the same qualification. Napipili ang lalaki. Not anymore,” Mangio said. 

However, Mangio also said more needs to be done to give them an equal chance for self-development.

“We’ll be able to address the problem of hunger, malnutrition, because they will be able to help raise up their families. They’ll be able to take care of the kids and provide for them, together with the family,” Mangio said.

Employers Confederation of the Philippines President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said gender discrimination on wages does not exist anymore, but some employers are still inclined to hire male workers to avoid paying benefits to women.

“Leaves, if you add up leaves for women, more than one year. May maternity leave. Even if there is an anti-discrimination law they would probably go for men because it is more expensive to hire women,” Ortiz-Lus said. 

However, he added that some industries prefer women employees. These sectors include manufacturing, electronics, and business process outsourcing.

Colombian Ambassador to the Philippines Marcela Ordoñez said there is a need to break cultural barriers that suggest taking care of the family should be left to women, instead of being a shared responsibility with men.

“The economy of care, taking care of adults and children, is given mainly to women. The economy of care has to be shared by men and women. In Colombia, men have a share of three hours to care for the family but women do 7 hours. That’s like having double jobs,” Ordoñez said. 

Ordoñez highlighted the importance of having women in the workplace for economic growth.

“Investing in women’s education is investing in the development of the country. Investing in women is the most efficient trigger for development,” Ordoñez said. 

PCCI launched its Karunungan Pangkabuhayang Pangkababaihan on Tuesday in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City for 100 women to reintegrate or introduce them to the workforce.

Livelihood kits were given along with training for manicure, pedicure, and hairdressing.