Women's cry

In several of my individual and group theatrical performances, women are being portrayed in multifaceted faces. From a browbeaten daughter, subservient girlfriend, battered wife to empowered career woman.  

But what is really the depiction of a woman? In a society that puts premium on human dignity and equality, a glaring reality slithers. Citing a National Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the National Statistics Office, one out of five women, aged 15-49, has experienced physical violence, 14.4 percent of married women have suffered physical abuse from their husbands; 37 percent of separated or widowed women have experienced physical hostility.

Even in workplaces, recent studies show that women face more barriers in the workplace than do men. Gender-related barriers involve sexual harassment, unfair hiring practices, career progression, and unequal pay where women are paid less than men are performing the same job. Such barriers make it difficult for women to advance in their workplace or receive fair compensation for the work they provide.

Men and women play roles that are not biologically but socially determined. Although they may be justified as being required by culture or religion, roles are changing and changeable. These vary widely by locality and change over time. Historically, UP Professor Tapales points out that before the arrival of the Spaniards, Filipino women could also achieve status as medicine women or high-priestesses and astrologers. During Spanish colonization, as it happened all over Asia, women in the Philippines were expected to become caring and nurturing mothers for their own children and take care of most household chores. Modern-day Philippine women play a decisive role in Filipino families. They handle the money, act as religious mentors, and could also arrange the marriages of sons and daughters. But all these relegate the role to generally supporting or partnering in nature. 

But how can we put an end, or at least gradually have a paradigm shift? Women empowerment? Women have the inner power; we need to let this power come out. A way that encourages them to gain the skills and knowledge that will allow them to overcome obstacles in life or work environment. This shall ultimately help them develop within themselves or in the society. Specifically, empowerment occurs through improvement of conditions, standards, events, and a global perspective of life. A kind of empowerment that focuses on mobilizing their self-help efforts rather than providing them with social welfare.

Recognizing that women, as a diverse group, is essential in addressing their issues. They differ in the roles they play as well as in characteristics such as age, social status, urban or rural orientation and educational attainment. Although women may have many interests in common, the fabric of their lives and the choices available to them may vary widely.

Women shall discover their empowered voices and become authors of their future rather than victims of their gloomy past. They should reclaim something life-changing and vital: hope.

Education is one of the most important means of empowering women with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence necessary to participate fully in the development process. Investing in education for women fundamentally strengthens families and societies.

While women in Asia have made steady gains in recent years, gender inequality remains a significant problem. Against a backdrop of globalization and rapidly growing economies, women in Asia have made remarkable progress in recent years. There have been improvements in basic democratic rights, strengthened legal systems, and more dynamic civil societies have made this transformation possible. Despite these advances, there remain enormous challenges toward achieving full gender equality.

Though the world shouts for equality but let's accept the fact, women still want to go out from the labels of being mere "partners" or "supporters"-shadows of the males. Women are still finding a place that they can truly claim as theirs, and be proud.

To all the women, Happy Women's Month!