A Walk to Remember HERstory: Celebrating Women All Year Round

words by Justine Mae Fernandez
cartoon by Khen Ivan Emerzon Gabatan 

The Philippines has a long and illustrious history of fighting for women's rights. Historically, it is one of the few nations that allows women to practice their right to suffrage. As 447,725 women voted in favor of the motion, surpassing the plebiscite's minimum threshold requirement of 300,000, the Philippines became one of the first Asian nations to grant women the right to vote in 1937. From then, it paved the way for more opportunities for women to be more involved than ever in the political arena— and has left an indelible impression on society that has persisted to the present day. Two of the nation's former presidents are women, with Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino having presided over the country's highest office, respectively, celebrating not just womanhood but also proving how women can lead and deliver– leadership transcends gender. In light of this, what is the current situation of women's rights in the country?


According to the 2023 Gender Gap Index Report, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, the Philippines rose three spots, placing 16th out of 146 nations; this translates to progress in terms of gender equality standing of the nation. The Philippines maintained its position as Asia's most gender-equal country, having placed 19th in a comparable assessment in 2022. This report is said to measure women's overall participation in the country based on four main indicators: economic engagement and opportunity, educational achievement, health and survival, and political empowerment. In spite of this, a great deal of injustices persist against women.


Violence against Filipinas? This is hardly news to anyone. With the spiking, 2,949 cases of domestic violence against Filipino women were recorded from January to March 2023 alone. This is almost half of the 6,383 cases of violence against Filipino women reported to the PNP from cases reported from January to July 2022. Unfortunately, this coexists with the pervasive normalization of misogyny and victim blaming in Filipino society. Making this is even more worrisome than it already is. All of this must end.


To add insult to injury, women in the Philippines are severely underrepresented in positions of power and decision-making, which highly restricts their voice and their ability to shape policies that are meant to safeguard women's rights and affairs, such as policies ensuring equitable wages for equal work and paid family leave. Although two former key leaders of our country were able to prove women’s worth in the realm dominated by men, making the Philippines an ideal country for women's rights to prosper. However, many matters have been disregarded.


Furthermore, the presidency of Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino was a turning point for women. She accomplished considerably, but her rise to power as the first female president in a country deeply rooted in male dominance is what truly sets her apart. Being able to depose a dictator while riding the wave of mass insurgency is truly revolutionary. After a long period of dictatorship, a peaceful "people power" revolution brought democracy back to the nation.


Meanwhile, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the country's second female president, and another strong-willed woman, was a dogged leader who never lost faith in the Republic's ability to overcome overwhelming odds. A total of 55 laws, including the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law, the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Law, and the Export Development Act, which continue to safeguard women's rights and affairs, were written or sponsored by her while she was a senator. She also filed more than 400 bills.


Clearly, women are more informed by their experiences and struggles than men are.


Thus, as we celebrate Women’s Month, we pay tribute not only to the influential female figures in our lives but also to the advancements forged by women in this nation. Numerous women have pushed the boundaries in traditionally male-dominated fields in their chosen professions, such as Dr. Dolores Ramirez (national scientist), Mara Aquino (e-sports host), Johara Villanueva (electrical engineer), Elysse Mendoza (race car driver), Jacqueline Romero (physicist), Rizza Ombao (seafarer), Blu Pingoy (airline pilot), Haidelyn Pimentel-Arevalo (police officer), Niña Sandejas (music photographer).  

Fighting for gender equality does not have to be a massive undertaking. It can even begin as simple as learning and constantly educating ourselves about women's rights while honoring their bravery, tenacity, and unwavering will. Free ourselves from toxic machismo, arm ourselves with knowledge, and never be afraid to resist antiquated beliefs. There is no doubt that women have accomplished so much and have much more potential to do great things in their fight for a more just and inclusive society. May the desire to tell and spread HERstory never wane so that they become more than just historical accounts; but messages of hope for the present and catalysts of the future.