Can Women's Month Freebies Compensate for Everyday Stereotypes?

“Free driving course for women this women’s month!” 

“Free LRT 2 rides for female commuters!”

“Discounted dine in and take out meals for women out there!” 

“Free haircut and free spa for women!” 

“Free internet load for female subscribers!” 

Countless advertisements from fast-food chains, salons, spas, ride-hailing apps, and other products and services offer free or discounted prices for women in celebration of International Women's Month.

Everything is free, except women

But when you really think about it, can we still consider this month a true celebration? Every year, commercial establishments offer free services and discounted products for women as part of their engagement in promoting a just and fair society for women and those who identify as women. However, despite these offerings, many of us—women—cannot fully appreciate them.

Why is it that, even though we commemorate Women's Month, the numbers remain staggering? According to the Philippine Commission on Women, the 18-day violence against women campaign, which began last December 2024, recorded a total of 11,585 reports of violence against women. These cases span a range of issues under laws such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act of 2004, the Anti-Rape Law (RA 8353, as amended by RA 11648), the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 (RA 7877), and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022 (RA 9208, as amended by RA 11862).

Looking at historical data: in 2016, there were 26,292 cases; in 2017, 25,242; in 2018, 19,385; in 2019, 19,827; in 2020, 15,174; in 2021, 12,473; in 2022, 10,690; and in 2023, 11,585. These statistics reflect the number of women who filed cases against their abusers. However, many cases go unreported—either swept under the rug, dismissed by family members, or hidden by victims who lack the courage to report their abusers to the authorities.

In addition to the violence women face daily, the pervasive stereotypes also continue to plague us.

The Problem of Tokenism in Celebrating Women: Is It Enough?

But do these temporary promotions truly offer meaningful change, or are they simply marketing tools that distract from the deeper, systemic issues women continue to face?

There’s no issue with celebrating Women’s Month annually, but even if you purchase products with the belief that you’re helping other women, here’s a newsflash: you’re likely not.

Every March 8th, GABRIELA organizes a mobilization—a march with women from all walks of life, of different ages and from various sectors, including those who identify as women. They're not just there to celebrate; they’re there to amplify the call for a more equal society.

What women truly need isn’t a free haircut, a free dress, a free meal, or a free accommodation. Why is it that offering these temporary products seems so much easier than freeing women from their real struggles? Free from abuse, free from discrimination, free from stereotyping, and free from the expectations that chain them to stay low, stay at home, because of a culture that teaches them they belong there.

The future of women’s month

Ask any man what they envision for the future of Women’s Month.

A mobilization. More women. More people joining the cause.

But no one will say, “There should be no celebration of Women’s Month.”

Because, in truth, that is the ultimate goal: to not need a Women’s Month. Women wouldn’t take it to heart if they were no longer celebrated in this way, because they would know that the calls from previous years have been heard and answered. They’ve won.

The real goal is for a society where we don’t need an entire month dedicated to women—not because we don’t honor them, but because our society has already embraced and accepted them for who they are, every day of the year. And also because, in this ideal society, harassment has no place, and women can walk through the world free from fear or discrimination.

Imagine a world where women’s rights, contributions, and strength are celebrated every single day—where we no longer need a designated Women’s Month to remind us of their worth. A world where women’s safety isn’t in question, where their voices are heard, and where they are valued—not as a token gesture, but as an integral part of society, every single day.

This is the world we deserve. Not one where women are handed freebies as a fleeting token of appreciation, but one where their lives, their humanity, and their dignity are upheld—day in and day out, without struggle.

Until that day comes, the fight continues. Because women deserve more than just a month of recognition—they deserve a lifetime of equality, freedom, and respect.

And that’s the real celebration we’re all waiting for.

Article: Gerie Consolacion

Graphics: Jan Mike Cabangin