MOST Filipinos think women in politics are more likely to support social issues like education and healthcare.
The survey, conducted from March 15 to 20, 2025 by the Social Weather Stations (SWS), also indicated that half of adult Filipinos believe women govern better than men.
The survey, which took place during National Women’s Month, aimed to understand public opinion on women's involvement in politics and governance. The result of the survey was published on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Public favors women on social issues
The survey revealed that 74 percent of adult Filipinos agree with the statement: "Women in politics are more likely to advocate for social issues such as education and healthcare."
This includes 42 percent who strongly agree and 32 percent who somewhat agree. Only 12 percent disagree with this idea.
SWS considers the net agreement score of +62 as "extremely strong."
This view was consistent across different parts of the country. Metro Manila (+78) and Balance Luzon (+72) showed "extremely strong" net agreement. Visayas (+49) and Mindanao (+48) showed "very strong" net agreement. Both women (+64) and men (+60) largely agreed.
People from all education levels also showed "extremely strong" agreement.
The survey also asked about governance abilities.
There were 51 percent who agreed that "Women are better at governance than men."
This resulted in a "moderately strong" net agreement score of +29. Twenty-two percent disagreed, and 26 percent were undecided.
Net agreement on this statement was "moderately strong" in all regions.
Women showed a "very strong" net agreement of +40, while men showed "moderately strong" agreement at +17.
People with elementary or no formal education strongly agreed.
Difficulty
Despite positive views, the survey pointed out a challenge for women wanting to enter politics.
There were 55 percent agreed that "It is hard for a woman to become a candidate for political office unless she comes from a family of politicians."
This resulted in a "very strong" net agreement score of +30, an increase from +22 in September 2024.
Net agreement on this issue was "very strong" in Mindanao (+37) and Balance Luzon (+32). Visayas (+25) and Metro Manila (+19) showed "moderately strong" agreement.
Agreement increased in most areas compared to September 2024, except for Metro Manila.
Women strongly agreed (+32) with this statement, while men moderately agreed (+28). Most education levels also showed strong agreement.
Survey details
Stratbase-SWS interviewed 1,800 registered voters nationwide from March 15 to 20. The interviews were done face-to-face.
The survey covered Metro Manila (300), Balance Luzon (900), Visayas (300), and Mindanao (300). (JJL)