The Philippines, long recognized as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, is grappling with the devastating effects of extreme weather events, environmental degradation, and worsening food insecurity. For women in the informal economy and nano-enterprises—those running the smallest businesses with the fewest resources—these challenges are particularly severe. Yet, as the recently concluded Summit on Inclusive Economic Empowerment through the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) organized by HomeNet Philippines and sponsored by UN Women demonstrated, these same women are also at the forefront of building resilience and driving transformation.
Held in Quezon City from June 25 to 26, 2025 the summit gathered 108 participants from 78 organizations nationwide, alongside representatives from academia, civil society, and international agencies. Organized by HomeNet Philippines, with partners ISEA, UP CSWCD, and ASEC, the event was part of the UN Women–UNEP EmPower Programme: Women for Climate-Resilient Societies. It provided a dynamic platform for dialogue, strategy-building, and collaboration, anchored on the belief that women-led SSE initiatives are key to both survival and sustainable development in the face of climate crisis.
The grassroots leaders echoed the vision of the summit with lived experiences. Josephine Parilla of HomeNet International spoke of turning “stories of resilience into systems of solidarity, savings, and self-determination.”
An Indicative Roadmap for Inclusive Economic Empowerment (2025–2030) was crafted which identifies strategies across four pillars: organizing grassroots communities and hubs; shaping policy and mobilizing resources; raising awareness and building capacity; and forging partnerships for transformative change.
