KORONADAL CITY South Cotabato (PIA) -- More than 9 in every 10 married women aged 15 to 49 years old in SOCCSKSARGEN participate in decision-making either alone or jointly with their husbands or partners, according to a recent survey spearheaded by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Citing results of the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), statistical specialist II Roselyn Fornan of PSA XII reported that 96% of the married women here are involved in making decisions regarding their own health, 95% regarding visits to families and relatives, and 92% regarding major household purchases. Overall, 87% of married women participate in decision-making in all three areas of concern.
As to determination regarding the earnings of the women, findings of the 2022 NDHS also show that in SOCCSKSARGEN Region, 60% of the women indicate that this is shared by the wife and the husband, while 37% of the women said that they are mainly responsible when it comes to selecting a course of action regarding their income. Only 4% said the decision on this matter rests mainly with the husband.
The survey only covered women who received cash earnings in the 12 months prior to the survey, which was conducted from May to June 2022.
"Our government aims to empower women's expertise, knowledge, and skills to promote sustainable recovery that is responsive to the needs of women and girls, particularly those who suffer from vulnerabilities," Fornan explained.
Responding to the presentation, Atty. Keysie Gomez, OIC regional director of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) XII, welcomed the information that women in SOCCSKSARGEN are aware of their autonomy as regards their decision-making.
"Of course, women have monies, and they can use their monies freely to decide on things such as, for example, purchasing of basic necessities, certain important purchases such as a house, owning a cellphone, which is very important at this time and age, and having to conduct financial transactions using mobile phones," Atty. Gomez said. (PIA SOCCSKSARGEN).
