THE OBSERVANCE of Women’s Month is particularly significant in the Philippines where the legacy of patriarchy remains prevalent in this modern day and age. While it is but proper to acknowledge and celebrate the progress that many Filipinas have made as they tirelessly break barriers in fields that remain to be highly dominated by men, it is also imperative to recognize and reflect on the ongoing struggles they face in achieving equality and representation.
According to the World Bank collection of development indicators, women make up 41.48% of the country’s total labor force in 2023, one of the lowest in the East Asia-Pacific region. The underrepresentation of women in leadership roles remains a challenge with only 25% of the country’s national government positions being held by women according to the Philippine Commission on Women.
Filipino women face deeply-rooted issues of issues of misogyny, harassment, and gender-based violence. These barriers remain prevalent in various fields and industries, and even family structures, where women are often expected to fulfil traditional roles as caregivers while facing discrimination in their pursuit of careers or leadership roles.
However, there are promising developments; and the list continues to rise albeit silently and slowly but steadily. There have been many firsts, but definitely not the last.
Despite receiving much less funding and media attention than their male counterparts, Filipina athletes have shattered expectations and made history. The Philippines saw its first Olympic gold medal won by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in 2021. Then we also have basketball star Jack Animam, footballer and national team player Camille Rodriguez, tennis sensation Alex Eala to name a few. These athletes have paved the way for future generations, challenging the norm in a traditionally male-dominated field.
One of the most notable achievements in the corporate world is that of Ruth C. Yu-Owen, the first Filipina to head an international advertising firm in the Philippines, Ogilvy & Mather. Her success is a reflection of how women are increasingly taking on pivotal roles in the corporate sector, although many still face gendered challenges in climbing the corporate ladder.
In the global business world, Filipina-American fashion designer Josie Natori achieved global recognition with her high-end lingerie brand, The Natori Company. She is a trailblazer in the fashion industry, one of the few Filipinas to create an internationally recognized brand. Similarly, there’s Loida Nicolas-Lewis, a Filipina-American businesswoman and philanthropist who became the first woman of color to run a U.S.-based company. Her advocacy for Filipina women’s empowerment has inspired countless women to lead in various industries worldwide.
Two male-dominated institutions, the military and judiciary, have seen the rise of Brigadier General Maria Teresa G. Timbol, the first woman to head the Philippine Army’s Civil Relations Service. Former Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro indeed, Justice Cecilia Munoz-Palma, the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court have broken significant glass ceilings, though female judges still account for only 30% of the country’s judiciary.
Nobel Peace Prize awardee Maria Ressa, co-founder of Rappler, has become a global symbol for press freedom, enduring multiple legal charges for her critical reporting against the Duterte administration.
While Filipino women have made significant progress in various fields, they still face systemic inequalities that prevent them from fully achieving their potential. Their underrepresentation in leadership roles across various sectors, coupled with persistent gender bias, reflects the deeply ingrained patriarchy in Philippine society. Yet, the triumphs of a growing list of Filipinas have ignited hope for future generations.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, it is crucial to recognize the resilience of these trailblazing women who continue to push boundaries and advocate for a more equal society. Their achievements are not just personal victories but milestones for all Filipinas, showing that with determination, women can indeed lead us forward.
