Geronima Pecson, first woman senator of the Philippines. Photo courtesy of LIFE.

March 8 is International Women’s Day and this is a good time to check out the number of women aspiring for national positions this coming elections.

Here is the list of women candidates for president, vice president, senator and partylist, where you could see that only a few women are contesting political positions:

President (1 out of 9, 11 percent)

• Jamby Madrigal (Independent)*

Vice President (1 out of 8, 12.5 percent)

• Loren Legarda (NPC)*

Senators (13 out of 62, 20.9 percent)

• Pia Cayetano (NP)*
• Miriam Defensor Santiago (PRP)*
• Nanette Espinosa (KBL)
• Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel (LP)**
• Jo Aurea Imbong (AKP)
• Kata Inocencio (BP)
• Yasmin Lao (LP)
• Alma Lood (KBL)
• Liza Maza (IND)**
• Imelda Papin (KBL)
• Gwen Pimentel (PDP-LABAN)
• Maria Gracia Rinoza-Plaza (AKP)
• Sonia Roco (LP)

Partylist Representatives (6 out of 187, 3.2 percent)

• 1-Ako Babaeng Astig Aasenso
• Babae Ka
• Gabriela Women’s Party***
• Kababaihang Lingkod Bayan ng Pilipinas
• Kabukluran ng mga Kababaihang Filipina sa Timog Katagalugan (Buklod Filipina)
• Womenpower

* – Incumbent Member of the Senate
** – Incumbent Member of the House of Representatives
*** – Incumbent Partylist Representative