WHY WOMEN SHOULD BE HONORED
To this day, many still ask why there is such a thing as Women’s Month
Aconfession: Something happened that hindered me from writing more passionately for my column this week. Since March is just around the corner, I planned on writing about women and empowerment. But where do I find the strength to feel like an empowered woman when the person I hold dearly has made me feel the opposite? I allowed him to mess up my head, which made me ask if feeling dejected was my own doing. Even as tears stream down my face, the writer (and the Gemini) in me are kicking in and I’m slowly but surely calming down and adapting to the situation — coming up with a column that every Juana can be proud of. So I ask: What makes you feel empowered? Whether it’s putting on a full face of makeup or simply going out of the house bare-faced; wearing the most comfortable outfit or donning the most stylish ensemble; facing your problems head-on or taking time to handle a situation; seeking the help of friends or finding solace in yourself — there are many ways to get a handle on yourself.
Whatever the method, if it makes you feel stronger and doesn’t cause harm to others, then that is your source of power.
To this day, many still ask why there is such a thing as Women’s Month. Despite the obvious reasons, here’s a brief background on how the event came about.
According to the Philippine Commission on Women, it started in the 1900s in the United States when garment workers rioted over unfair labor practices (sounds familiar?). It wasn’t until 19 March 1911 when the first International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated. But the movement led to the tragic day of 25 March 1911 when 140 working women died in a fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York City.
This paved the way for governing bodies to realize the importance of upholding the rights of women.
This year’s theme for IWD is ‘Choose to Challenge,’ and I challenge all women to be vigilant, informed, and heard when it comes to their beliefs.
In the Philippines, there are three legal bases for honoring women: (1) Proclamation 224 s. 1988 declaring the first week of March each year as Women’s Week and 8 March as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day; (2) Proclamation 227 s. 1988 providing for the observance of the Month of March as Women’s Role in History Month; and (3) Republic Act (RA) 6949 s. 1990 declaring 8 March of every year as National Women’s Day.
While there is no competition on who is the better gender and while no one is invalidating what the opposite sex’s experiences are, women go through a lot of inhumane experiences in their lifetime.
What the garment workers fought for in the 1900s is still happening today. Many women are victims of unfair labor practices because of their gender.
In Hollywood, female celebrities are sexualized, objectified or not given recognition (see Natalie Portman’s cape at the 2020 Oscars which highlighted names of women directors who weren’t nominated).
This year’s theme for IWD is ‘Choose to Challenge,’ and I challenge all women to be vigilant, informed, and heard when it comes to their beliefs.
It’s okay to shed a few tears, but remember to not tolerate manipulation or gender mistreatment and stand up for what you believe is right and for those whose voices aren’t heard.