SM Leads the Way in Meaningful Action for Women’s Month

Centering on the 2026 theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” SM Supermalls marked Women’s Month with a range of collaborative projects. These efforts were designed to go beyond mere discussion, transforming critical dialogues about women's issues into tangible, impactful results.

By leveraging its social responsibility arm, SM Cares, and collaborating with the United Nations Philippines, the Philippine Commission on Women, and the Quezon City Government, SM spearheaded a collective movement. Together with various youth and civil society groups, they worked to strengthen communities through initiatives focused on social awareness, maternal health, and the pursuit of gender equality.

SM malls served as the convergence point where Youth leaders, women’s advocates, government partners, and community organizations gathered to open dialogues that sought to break down barriers, challenge harmful norms, and create more opportunities all for women and girls everywhere.

 “At SM, we continue to create the most-loved spaces where women are empowered to lead, grow, and thrive. 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,” said Atty. Pearly Joan Jayagan Turley, Senior Assistant Vice President of SM Supermalls and Program Director for SM Cares for Women and Breastfeeding Mothers.

Purple illumination signals start of Women’s Month

Kicking off women’s month, SM Cares launched an advocacy campaign on March 2, with the iconic SM Mall of Asia Globe illuminated in purple, the global color symbolizing dignity and justice for women. The lighting served as a powerful visual call to action that launched the month-long advocacy and reinforced public awareness of the International Women’s Day campaign. 

Youth leadership at the center of International Women’s Day celebration

The centerpiece of the month-long celebration was the International Women’s Day 2026 Youth Celebration, titled “Youth Rising: Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” held on March 10 at the SM North EDSA Skydome. The landmark gathering convened young leaders, advocates, and organizations to engage in discussions on gender equality, climate justice, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender-based violence prevention. 

The event featured panel discussions, TED-style talks, and a Challenge and Solutions Lab, with 47 youth organizations and schools such as National University Fairview, Nazareth, and Ortigas; the National Youth Commission; Philippine Science High School Main Campus and Central Luzon Campus, as well as the University of the Philippines Los Baños—all collaborating to develop ideas for advancing equality and justice. 

Participants gather during the International Women’s Day 2026 Celebration, showcasing women empowering women to lead, speak up, and take action for equality and positive change for communities.

Supporting women’s health through “Gatas ng Buhay”

As part of its Women’s Month activities, SM Cares also supported maternal and child health through the “Gatas ng Buhay” milk-letting activity held on March 20 at SM Fairview in partnership with the Quezon City Human Milk Bank and Quezon City General Hospital. 

The program featured expert-led sessions on breastfeeding guidance, newborn care, maternal nutrition, and the importance of human milk banking, while also conducting a simultaneous milk-letting activity to support infants in need.

This year’s milk letting activity yielded more than 18,000 ml of breast milk that could feed around 75 babies in a day—23% higher than the previous year.

Be part of the movement for gender equality—join SM Cares in supporting programs that empower women and girls and help build more inclusive communities. Learn more at https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving—shaping how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 89 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

About SM Cares

As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares is focused on enriching the lives of Filipinos through socially-conscious and environmentally-responsible programs meant to Empower Communities into long-lasting, impactful improvement.