Further --
Women as a group are also disadvantaged in terms of SSS coverage considering that majority of employed
women are in the informal sector. They also comprise the overwhelming majority (two-thirds to
three-fourths) of newly hired Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and domestic workers. There are
less women (11,871,770) than men (17,670,345) in the membership roster (ibid.).
16
Table 2: Number of SSS and GSIS contributing members as of 2016
SSS contributing members
14,165,000
Employees
10,462,000
Domestic workers
68,000
Self-employed
1,057,000
Voluntary
2,070,000
OFWs
509,000
GSIS contributing members
1,621,000
Total SSS and GSIS members 15,786,000
Yet even then, the maternity benefits from the SSS and GSIS are limited to only 60 days paid
maternity leave (or 78 days in cases of ceasarian birth or birthing complications), and to the first four
17
pregnancies. There is also paternity leave for seven days but this can be availed only when the man
18
is married to the woman who gave birth.
Work conditions in low-skilled occupations where there are high numbers of female workers are
generally dismal. A 2015 disaster in the Kentex slipper factory, highlighted this situation. A total of
70 people were killed in the fire and many more injured – 45 of whom are women. Investigations
showed that the factory had no proper documents and permits to operate, and the building did not
19
have the not follow building safety standards.
The service sector is one sector where women form the majority of the workforce (60%). Workers
in export processing zones are also mostly women (64%). The ADB also observed that business
process outsourcing (BPOs) holds promising opportunities for women’s employment. However,
studies on women in BPOs, specifically, call centers, also point out the stresses and multiple burden
20
of women as a result of work demands vis-à-vis their caring roles at home. Other issues raised
were the gender gap in salaries, with men receiving more than women, as well as possible sexual
21
harassment when they go to work at night.
16
Data table generated from the Philippine Statistics Authority - Decent Work Statistics (www.dews.psa.gov.ph). No
gender disaggregated data available.
17
Republic Act 8282, otherwise known as the Social Security Systems Act of 1997.
18
Republic Act 8187, otherwise known as the Paternity Leave Act of 1996.
19
Aurelio, J. M. (2015, 08 July). “PNP identifies all but one of 74 Kentex fire victims.” Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved
from http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/703695/pnp-identifies-all-but-one-of-74-kentex-fire-victims
20
Domingo-Corrubias, L (2011). “Gender Matters in the Call Center Industry: A Review of Literature on the Effects of
Call Center Work on Women.” Review of Women Studies. Retrieved from
http://journals.upd.edu.ph/index.php/rws/article/viewFile/4282/3885.
21
Ibid.
8
RH Situationer: Phlippines (November 2017)