by Marlene Gallo Estorosas
Women Evolution: Breaking and Rising
(Part 1)
(Editor’s Note: The author is Teacher III – English, Senior High School, at Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School – DCPNHS!)
As we celebrate March as the Women’s month, it is but right to discuss the situation of women today and ponder over the protection of women against economic, social and political forms of discrimination.
The current situation of women in the Philippines is best described as having sharp contradictions.
The Filipina may be considered as one of the most advanced viz-a-viz women in other countries, in the areas of the academe, profession, and politics, among others. However, some women also suffer from domestic violence, economic disadvantages, discrimination at the workplace, exploitation as migrant workers, and as prostituted women.
The Philippines is the only country in Asia to have closed the gender gap on both education and health care and is one of only six (6) countries in the world to have done so. Moreover, the Philippines scores high in women’s political empowerment, continues to improve its economic indicators for women such as estimated income, labor force participation and income equality for similar work.
In our country today, women have parity to men in senior management roles. However, despite the remarkable aforementioned achievements, thousands of our women suffer from sex and other gender- related abuses. On that note, women in some parts of Mindanao and other conflict -affected areas in the Philippines suffer more.
As in most countries affected by displacement brought about by armed conflict, women and children make up the great majority of the displaced population in our country, and experience additional vulnerabilities. The intermittent wars affect women’s livelihood, health, education and family life, to mention a few.
In the area of legislative reforms, the Philippines has ensured the protection of women against economic, social and political forms of discrimination. The country has passed important laws like the Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 and the “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004”.
The Philippines also has a vibrant women’s movement which is recognized for its work in the international and national levels. Suffice to say, women are protected by these laws, but why do we continue to suffer? Why are women still in bondage? Why are we still deemed to be weak and vulnerable? (To be continued)