Amid its reputation for warmth, hospitality, and vibrant culture, a shadow casts into the Philippines’ horizon, contending with a societal affliction—misogyny.
A recent international study suggests that a significant majority of Filipinos harbor biases against women, manifesting a culture of misogyny that obstructs their empowerment in the country, Gabriela Women’s Party reports.
As we enter the month of March, we celebrate the roles and contributions of women in historical events and present-day society. We give light to the ongoing struggle deeply rooted in our culture and entrenched within societal frameworks, sustained by damaging ideologies—sexist behaviors persistently undermining the welfare and safety of Filipino women.
The pursuit of gender equality necessitates dismantling these deeply rooted structures and redefining the societal perception of womanhood.
The Culture of Objectification
Women, as seen in history, were merely means of continuing bloodlines and were depicted as objects of men’s desires. In the modern world, this characterization did not decline as many still practice this belief—reducing their worth solely to their physical appearance and reproductive capabilities.
This is demonstrably evident in the widespread occurrences of catcalling. A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that 60% of women have experienced sexual harassment in a public setting at least once in their lives. Such harmful practices reflect a detrimental environment characterized by disrespect and a pervasive sense of entitlement.
This objectification not only undermines their inherent worth but also creates a breeding ground for various forms of gender-based violence and discrimination, hindering their full potential and participation in society.
Addressing this ingrained issue requires a multifaceted approach, including legislative reforms, educational initiatives, and cultural shifts that challenge these harmful stereotypes and empower women to reclaim their agency and define their own identities beyond societal chains.
Gender-Based Violence
Despite the significant contributions of women in the development of society and the emerging growth of modernization in different fields of expertise, this did not shield them from gender-based violence.
One of the highest rates of violence in the world comes from the facade of vibrance and warmth of the Philippines. Based on the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), 17.5% of Filipino women between the ages of 15 and 49 have encountered various types of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse from their intimate partners.
This threat shows in various forms, including domestic abuse, sexual harassment, rape, and femicide. These acts not only inflict physical and emotional harm on victims but also create a ripple effect throughout society.
However, the true extent of this problem remains in darkness. A significant portion of these crimes go unreported due to a complex interplay of factors.
Victim-blaming, which unfairly assigns responsibility to the victim for the perpetrator’s actions, discourages individuals from seeking help. Societal stigma surrounding these issues further silences victims, fearing judgment, and social isolation. Additionally, a weak justice system, often characterized by lengthy procedures and inadequate support services, further discourages reporting and undermines victims' faith in obtaining justice.
The normalization of violence against women has devastating consequences. It fosters a climate of fear and insecurity, constantly reminding women that they are vulnerable and their safety cannot be guaranteed.
It is imperative to collectively address the problem surrounding this issue and demand absolute safety for women. If we wish to eliminate these factors endangering women and continue the progress made by feminism in society, tackling these issues through education and awareness campaigns is crucial to create a supportive environment where victims feel empowered to speak up.
Creating a society free from gender-based violence requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, and institutions to dismantle harmful attitudes, empower women, and continue to build a culture of respect and equality, further eliminating the practice of patriarchal norms. By doing so, we can effectively deter perpetrators and uphold accountability within our society.
The So-Called Male Superiority
The discourse of male superiority is deeply embedded with the fact that if we open any history book, male historical figures are the focal point of each one, highlighting their achievements and contributions towards the society and how they were the heroes of today.
Even now, they carry this trophy in their arms as they strive through the male-dominated world where being a man is a privilege, overshadowing women’s successes and involvement in the growth of the community. This notion, a legacy of centuries-old patriarchal structures, influences various aspects of Filipino life, from family dynamics to the broader societal landscape.
Within Filipino households, a concerning pattern often emerges: boys are frequently favored over girls, giving them more opportunities to pursue their desired professions and honing them to be the next head of their families. This leaves girls with the role of domesticated homemaker, subtly perpetuating the harmful idea that only men hold inherent superiority in value and capability.
This bias extends far beyond the four walls of home, infiltrating workplaces, political landscapes, and even religious institutions. In these settings, women often find themselves marginalized and overlooked; their voices and contributions are diminished due to the belief in their supposed inferiority.
The disrespect not only creates a culture of discrimination and disempowerment for women but also hinders the nation's overall progress by limiting the potential and contributions of half its population. Dismantling this belief system should be a focal point in any educational institution, encompassing initiatives that challenge harmful stereotypes and cultural shifts that celebrate the diverse strengths and contributions of both men and women.
Unequal Paths to Success
A path to success is presented to a man while a path to prosperity is created by a woman.
Despite the Philippines making strides towards gender equality in recent years, the journey towards a truly equitable society remains incomplete. A persistent challenge lies in the systemic inequalities that continue to disadvantage women in all fields.
One of the most glaring issues is the gender pay gap, where women consistently earn significantly less than men for doing the same work. This financial disparity translates to limited economic potential for women, often forcing them to depend on men.
This is apparent in the Philippine media wherein female photographers, artists, and journalists continue to prove their capabilities, inherently seeking validation from men as they are the intended standard most media companies are after.
Many instances are presented where female media practitioners need to constantly be on the lookout for their male peers, analyzing the financial disparity among them. This not only hinders their financial security but also perpetuates harmful power dynamics within workplaces.
Furthermore, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across various sectors, including government, corporations, and the academe. This lack of representation limits their influence and decision-making power, constraining their ability to advocate for themselves and other women and contribute meaningfully to shaping policies and societal norms. This also reinforces the perception of male dominance in leadership roles, creating a self-fulfilling cycle that discourages young girls from aspiring to leadership positions.
In today’s world, an increasing number of women are rising to challenge misogyny through the continuous dissemination of informative knowledge about the deeply rooted struggles that women face in their everyday lives. This movement aims to change the cycle of gender inequality by challenging the belief in male superiority and promoting independence from male validation.
Women are persevering in a male-dominated society, not only doing the things men can do but anything they set their hearts on—with the support of the whole community ready to celebrate their achievements and success.
Article: Gabrielle Cruz
Graphics: Hannah May Manalo
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