By Nimfa Estrellado Opinion Straight Talk Shall Not Be Denied: Women Fight for the Vote More to the Movement: In 1917, Sofia Reyes de Veyra ...
Opinion
Straight Talk
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| Shall Not Be Denied: Women Fight for the Vote More to the Movement: In 1917, Sofia Reyes de Veyra arrived in Washington, D.C., with her husband who was Resident Commissioner of the Philippines, a U.S. territory from 1898 to 1946. While advocating for Philippine independence and living in D.C., Sofia de Veyra and other Filipinas joined local women's organizations that supported the American suffrage movement. Upon returning to the Philippines, these pioneering women formed women's clubs and eventually won the right to vote on April 30, 1937. (Photo from Library of Congress) |
International Women's Day. A day painted in celebratory hues - parades, flowers, and speeches praising past victories. But beneath the glitter lies a stark reality: the fight for true equality is far from over. It's time to dismantle this facade of celebration and spark a revolution for women's rights.
International Women's Day isn't a day to pat ourselves on the back. It's a call to action. Let the revolution begin. We're bombarded with statistics—the persistent pay gap, the dearth of female CEOs and women in leadership, the alarming rise in femicide. These aren't mere numbers; they represent millions of women denied dignity, opportunity, and safety. Celebrating progress while the gap widens is like cheering for a race where half the runners are still chained at the starting line.
As a woman in business, a journalist, and an outspoken advocate for women's empowerment, I am intimately familiar with the feminist attitudes and systemic barriers that stifle our potential. During a recent online association discussion, a male colleague dismissed my argument with a condescending laugh. Attempts to negotiate a resolution were met with patronizing resistance. These experiences are sadly not unique; they're a pervasive pattern limiting women across industries and professions.
This pattern of toxic behavior extends to a previous work experience. A former colleague consistently undermined my authority and spread damaging rumors to hurt my professional reputation. Despite denying involvement, his actions eroded my confidence and created harmful power dynamics in the workplace. He even escalated the situation by filing a false complaint against me.
Despite these obstacles, my commitment to empowering women and breaking down barriers remains unwavering. To navigate these challenges, I've sought guidance from mentors and allies, allowing me to continue advocating for gender equality across various settings. Therapy has also proven instrumental in addressing the emotional impact of these manipulative tactics. I am determined to emerge from this experience even stronger and more resilient.
These instances highlight the need for continued advocacy and support for women in leadership roles to combat systemic sexism and discrimination. It is crucial for organizations to implement policies and practices that promote gender equality and create a safe and inclusive work environment for all.
I am sharing my experiences and speaking out against injustice, not to seek sympathy or validation, but to inspire others to stand up for themselves and create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all. I hope to inspire others to stand up against discrimination and create a more inclusive work environment or any other setting where they may face similar challenges.
These experiences are not isolated incidents; they are symptoms of a larger, systemic issue that continues to hold women back in various aspects of society. The fight for true gender equality is far from over. Too often, when a woman speaks, her voice is met with scrutiny and dismissal that a man simply doesn't face. This disparity highlights the urgent need to dismantle the ingrained biases that limit women's potential and create a more equitable society for all.
Rape is also still the number one brutal act of violence that destroys lives. It robs women of their safety, dignity, and sense of self. Sadly, in the Philippines, rape is often shrouded in silence. Victims fear judgment, victim-blaming, and a justice system that can be slow and inadequate. This culture of silence allows perpetrators to operate with impunity, perpetuating the cycle of violence.
There are several factors contributing to this crisis. Gender stereotypes that portray women as passive and men as aggressive create an environment where violence is normalized. Furthermore, a lack of comprehensive sex education leaves many Filipinos uninformed about consent and healthy relationships.
Breaking the silence on rape requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, we need to dismantle harmful gender norms. Public awareness campaigns that promote respect and equality are crucial. Secondly, robust support systems for victims are essential. This includes access to medical care, trauma counseling, and legal aid. A more efficient and sensitive justice system will empower victims to come forward and hold perpetrators accountable.
The fight against rape is not just about protecting women; it's about building a safer and more just society for all Filipinos. We can no longer turn a blind eye to this issue. We must stand together, speak out, and demand change.
The narrative of "empowering women" is losing its bite. We're not asking for a pity pat on the back. We demand the dismantling of the systemic barriers that hold us back. From unequal childcare burdens to unconscious hiring practices, the very foundation of our society needs reconstruction. From rape to domestic violence, women continue to face disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination. It's time for real change, not just empty rhetoric.
Society often forces us to see the softer side of women, overlooking the incredible strength and determination that fuel their achievements. It's time to break free from these stereotypes and embrace true gender equality. We must actively build a world where women can thrive, contribute their unique voices, and be valued for the powerful individuals they are.
True change demands uncomfortable conversations and relentless action. Let's shed politeness and channel our frustration into a force for good. Focused anger can ignite change. It's time to call out injustice and demand a better world.
Sofia Reyes de Veyra's story exemplifies the global connections of the women's suffrage movement. While advocating for Philippine independence in Washington, D.C., de Veyra joined American suffragists. Upon returning home, she and other Filipinas formed women's clubs and ultimately won the right to vote in 1937. Their victory demonstrates that the fight for suffrage was not confined to national borders but rather a shared struggle across the globe.
De Veyra's experience highlights the ways in which women from different countries inspired and influenced each other. The American suffrage movement provided a model for Filipino women, who adapted it to their own context. This cross-pollination of ideas was essential to the success of both movements.
The story also underscores the fact that the fight for women's suffrage was part of a larger movement for social justice. De Veyra's advocacy for both Philippine independence and women's voting rights shows how these struggles were interconnected. Women were fighting not just for the right to vote, but also for a greater say in shaping their societies.
Imagine a world where women lead with confidence, where boardrooms reflect the diversity of society, and where safety is not a privilege but a fundamental right. This isn't a utopian fantasy; it's a world within our reach. Let's stop celebrating yesterday's victories and start building a future where every woman can reach her full potential.
Disclaimer. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Sentinel Times or its members.
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