IN LINE with the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls, SM Supermalls celebrated Women’s Month 2026 through a series of collaborative initiatives that sought to elevate conversations on matters that affect women into meaningful actions.
Through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, and in partnership with the United Nations Philippines, the Philippine Commission on Women, the Quezon City Government, and various civil society and youth organizations, SM led a united effort to empower communities in the advancement of gender equality, maternal health, and social awareness.
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.
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.
