Policymakers in the Philippines call for more women to use their IP rights

The need for a stronger push to encourage more women to successfully use their IP rights has been raised by policymakers, who understand that doing so may help them succeed in the creative and scientific professions.

According to Alfredo E. Pascual, secretary of Trade and Industry, "Philippine women's participation in intellectual property filings is essential to fostering innovation, diversity, and economic growth."

He stressed the persistent underrepresentation and lack of visibility of women in innovation sectors, as evidenced, for instance, by gender differences in international patenting, one proxy for assessing innovation, and noted societal and economic issues that contribute to women's underrepresentation in the tech industry.

Women may be deterred from pursuing jobs in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—by gender stereotypes and unconscious prejudices. These prejudices may also influence the decision-making process, which may result in monetary support inequities. Strong educational and professional development foundations are necessary to promote women's engagement in IP, particularly in the sciences and technology, Pascual continued.