Quick Facts
- Employment opportunities strengthen women’s roles in family financial and social decisions.
- Employment improves child nutrition, with working mothers prioritizing spending on food and healthcare.
- Women’s employment in families promotes access to regular income and reduces reliance on debt.
Sexism, poverty, ethnic gender-biased discrimination in pay and work opportunities, limited job experience, and racism are substantial barriers that women, particularly mothers from low-income backgrounds, encounter in their attempt to enter the labor market.
A 2020 study by the Center for American Progress Fund found that women in full-time employment earn approximately 82 cents for every dollar men earn. This wage disparity impacts women’s ability to manage daily expenses and accumulate savings, thereby increasing their financial vulnerability.
A study conducted by ABS-CBN reported that over the past two decades, women in the Philippines who are employed or actively seeking work account for just under half of the working-age population. In comparison, female labor force participation rates are higher in other Asian countries, such as Indonesia (52%), Malaysia (51%), and Myanmar (48%).
In the Philippines, this gap is primarily attributed to traditional caregiving responsibilities, with many women exiting the workforce after marriage or childbirth, particularly between the ages of 25 and 29. Additionally, women comprise only 49% of the informal labor force compared to 76% of men, spending more time on unpaid household work. These challenges can contribute to financial instability and increased vulnerability to domestic hardships.
Research indicates that employment for women, particularly mothers from low-income households, contributes to financial stability by providing a regular source of income. According to recent studies, access to stable employment reduces reliance on remittances or debt, which ensures that mothers can meet household essential needs such as food, healthcare, and education.
Beyond economic benefits, maternal employment is linked to improved psychological and social outcomes for women who experience domestic violence. A study by UN Women Philippines reported that 72% of newly employed women experienced increased confidence, a greater sense of purpose, and reduced depressive symptoms.
Employment also supports the development of financial and numerical literacy. In the Philippines, 71% of women have only basic financial knowledge, with 79% being aware of currency exchange rates but lacking broader financial literacy. Access to formal employment opportunities helps women strengthen their financial and numerical competencies, promoting long-term economic resilience for themselves and their families.
Maternal employment has also been linked to improved educational outcomes for children. A study by the International Labour Organization found that school attendance rates were 15–20% higher among children whose mothers were employed than those whose mothers were not. Reliable household income supports school-related expenses, reducing the likelihood of dropout.
This effect is particularly significant for girls. A 2022 study by Plan International Philippines found that girls aged 12 to 17 from low-income households were 1.3 times more likely than boys to drop out due to financial difficulties and caregiving responsibilities.
Research further suggests that legal employment opportunities for mothers also help challenge traditional gender roles and promote equitable opportunities for their female children. A 2020 World Bank study found that children of working mothers, particularly daughters, were more likely to remain in school, which can contribute to reduced rates of early marriage and teenage pregnancy.
Additionally, maternal employment has been linked to improved child nutrition and food security. A 2016 study in the Philippines found a 23% increase in dietary diversity among children in households with employed mothers, alongside lower rates of childhood stunting. This is beneficial, as research indicates that over 67% of employed Filipino women prioritize spending on nutritious food, compared to 49% of men, which plays a significant role in addressing childhood poverty and hunger.
To promote maternal empowerment, Thrive is launching the Thrive 2.0 program, where mothers from low-income families can earn legal wages while caring for their kids’ nutrition. For many participants, this represents their first opportunity for formal wage employment. By empowering women to gain financial stability and fight against gender norms, Thrive ensures that mothers of our students in the Philippines gain access to income that supports improved outcomes for themselves, their families, and their communities.
