Real Impact, Real Action: SM’s 2026 Women’s Month Highlights

In celebration of Women’s Month 2026, SM Supermalls transformed its spaces into platforms for purpose—championing the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls” through initiatives that moved beyond conversation and into collective action.

Led by its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, and in collaboration with key partners including the United Nations Philippines, Philippine Commission on Women, and the Quezon City Government, the initiative brought together communities, advocates, and institutions to advance gender equality, maternal health, and social awareness across the country.

Turning Spaces into Platforms for Change

Throughout the month, SM malls became dynamic hubs where youth leaders, women’s advocates, government agencies, and civil society groups gathered to spark dialogue and drive solutions. These shared spaces encouraged conversations that challenged harmful norms, broke down barriers, and opened doors for greater opportunities for women and girls.

“At SM, we continue to create the most-loved spaces where women are empowered to lead, grow, and thrive,” said Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, Senior Assistant Vice President of SM Supermalls and Program Director for SM Cares for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers. “Our commitment goes beyond opportunity—it is about building inclusive environments where every woman and girl feels supported, valued, and able to reach her full potential.”

A Powerful Start in Purple

The celebration opened with a striking visual statement as the iconic SM Mall of Asia Globe was illuminated in purple—the global symbol of dignity and justice for women. More than a symbolic gesture, the lighting served as a call to action, setting the tone for a month dedicated to advocacy and awareness in line with International Women’s Day.

Youth at the Forefront of Change

At the heart of the campaign was the International Women’s Day 2026 Youth Celebration, “Youth Rising: Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” held at SM North EDSA Skydome. The landmark event brought together young leaders and organizations to tackle pressing issues such as gender equality, climate justice, sexual and reproductive health, and gender-based violence prevention.

Through panel discussions, TED-style talks, and a Challenge and Solutions Lab, participants from 47 youth organizations and academic institutions—including the National Youth Commission, Philippine Science High School, and University of the Philippines Los Baños—collaborated to develop actionable ideas that push the conversation forward.

Supporting Mothers, Sustaining Life

SM Cares also underscored the importance of maternal and child health through its “Gatas ng Buhay” milk-letting initiative held at SM City Fairview, in partnership with the Quezon City Human Milk Bank and Quezon City General Hospital.

The program combined education and action, featuring expert-led sessions on breastfeeding, newborn care, and maternal nutrition, alongside a milk donation drive that collected over 18,000 ml of breast milk—enough to nourish around 75 infants daily, marking a 23% increase from the previous year.

Driving a More Inclusive Future

Through these initiatives, SM Supermalls reaffirmed its role as more than just a retail destination—positioning itself as a catalyst for inclusive growth and meaningful social change. By empowering women, amplifying youth voices, and strengthening community partnerships, the movement continues to build a future where equality is not just envisioned, but actively realized.

Be part of the movement. Support programs that uplift women and girls and help shape more inclusive communities.